Disaster Assistance Available For Three West Virginia Counties Struck By Severe Storms And Flooding In Late July
Release Date: August 7, 2004
Release Number: 1536-001
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A toll-free application telephone number is now operational for those who suffered property damage or losses in Fayette, Lincoln and Logan counties after severe storms, flooding and landslides that began July 22, 2004.
Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Stephen Kappa, state coordinating officer, West Virginia Office of Emergency Services, said those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance immediately by calling this toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
"These counties were declared in the last disaster declaration as a result of severe storms on Memorial Day weekend. We want to make it clear that this is a separate disaster, and people who experienced damages as a result of the July 22 severe storms should apply for FEMA assistance - even if they received assistance as a result of the Memorial Day weekend storms," Botta said.
In response to a request from Governor Bob Wise on July 31, 2004, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration Aug. 6, 2004. The declaration designated the counties of Fayette, Lincoln and Logan for federal aid to help meet the recovery needs of stricken residents and business owners.
"Don't prejudge your eligibility, even if you don't have all the information necessary, or it was lost in the floods. It's important that all residents get the assistance available to them as quickly as possible," Kappa said. "Even if you have already registered with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army or another voluntary agency or have reported damage to county or local officials, you can apply for the federal and state assistance programs only by calling FEMA's toll-free number."
The declaration makes residents of these counties eligible for a wide range of programs such as funding for temporary disaster housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for individuals and business owners to repair or replace damaged property, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs, and disaster unemployment assistance.
A telephone call starts the application process. "Your phone call begins your application for both state and federal assistance available under the disaster declaration," Kappa added.
When calling to apply have the following information available:
- Your current phone number;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
- If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;
- General financial information; and
- Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first, then if they have unmet needs they should call FEMA to apply. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION
When disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administers a number of disaster assistance programs and coordinates the efforts of many other federal agencies that provide services to help people through the recovery process. The types of assistance that are available include:
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs
INDIVIDUALS and HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM: Housing assistance to individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the severe storms, flooding and landslides. Types of aid include grants for temporary rental housing; for essential repairs needed to make a residence safe, sanitary and functional; and, to meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other programs, such as medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and other FEMA-approved expenses.
U.S. Small Business Administration Programs
HOME/PERSONAL PROPERTY DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing underinsured or uninsured disaster-damaged real and personal property. (Available in declared counties.)
BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to repair or replace destroyed or damaged business facilities, inventory, machinery, equipment, etc. not covered by insurance. (Available to large and small businesses in declared counties.) Loans also may be available only to small businesses for working capital to assist them during the disaster recovery period. Available in declared and contiguous counties.)
Assistance to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards. All counties in the state of West Virginia are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 09-Aug-2004 10:44:09