PEMA, FEMA Announce Susquehanna County Approved For Individual Assistance
Release Date: April 29, 2005
Release Number: 1587-018
» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Disaster assistance has been made available for Susquehanna County to help residents and business owners recover from the effects of the rain and flooding that began on April 2, announced the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Susquehanna County was added to the list of eligible jurisdictions based on a review of damage data gathered by federal and state disaster recovery officials. The previously designated counties include Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Wayne and Wyoming.
“The April 2 storm brought unusually heavy rains to several Pennsylvania counties triggering flooding that destroyed homes, businesses, roads and bridges and other essential community infrastructure,” said Director King. “FEMA’s approval of the Commonwealth’s federal aid request will now provide grants and loans to help eligible residents and businesses in Susquehanna County contend with and recover from this natural disaster.”
Stricken residents and business owners are eligible to apply immediately for a wide range of state and federal disaster assistance programs including disaster housing and rental assistance; U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property; help in meeting disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs; crisis counseling; and disaster unemployment assistance.
“We remain committed to ensuring that eligible families and businesses receive the help they need as quickly as possible,” said Tom Davies, federal coordinating officer.
Affected residents and business owners in Susquehanna County may apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Registration is also available at the FEMA website, www.fema.gov/about/process.
Callers are advised to have the following information available when they call:
- Their current phone number;
- Their Social Security or Business ID number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses suffered;
- If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent's and company name;
- General financial information; and
- Their bank account code to speed up assistance with direct deposit.
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: Monday, 02-May-2005 09:32:43