Register And Update To Manage Your Disaster Recovery 

Release Date: November 10, 2005
Release Number: 1604-122

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Katrina

Jackson, MS - Individuals who sustained losses due to Hurricane Katrina can speed their recovery by following suggestions provided by federal and state emergency managers.

"It's important for people to have control over their lives, whatever their circumstances. When applicants understand the process, they're much more confident and capable of moving forward with their recovery," said Nick Russo, deputy federal coordinating officer for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

FEMA offers these guidelines to help applicants manage their recovery:

Apply and update

  1. Apply by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Apply online at www.fema.gov.
  2. Keep FEMA informed of any change of addresses, phone numbers and personal information. Call the FEMA toll-free number with changes and updates.

Pursue other assistance options

  1. Complete and return the Small Business Administration disaster loan application to ensure access to all recovery help.
  2. Call and fill out a right of entry form if you need plastic sheeting for a storm-damaged roof. That number is 1-888-ROOF-BLU. The deadline to apply for a free Blue Roof is close of business on Friday, Nov. 11.
  3. Make your housing needs known by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or calling FEMA's toll-free number. After that, applicants need to have a working phone number so they can be contacted by a FEMA representative regarding travel trailers or mobile homes.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Friday, 11-Nov-2005 10:04:38