Sixteen Florida Counties Added For Aid To Storm Victims
Release Date: August 14, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-116
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today designated 16 additional Florida counties eligible for federal disaster aid to help meet the recovery needs of homeowners, renters and businesses victimized by Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley.
Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, made the designations under the major disaster declaration issued for the state yesterday by President Bush.
The 16 counties added for assistance include Collier, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Hardee, Highlands, Lake, Levy, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, St. Johns, Seminole and Volusia. The counties initially designated for aid under yesterday's declaration were Charlotte, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota.
The assistance can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other aid programs. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and businesses losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Brown said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call a special TTY number at 1-800-462-7585.
Because of the anticipated high volume of initial calls, owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. He also advised that storm victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.
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: Saturday, 14-Aug-2004 15:28:12