Disaster Teleregistration Line Now Open Around The Clock
Release Date: August 19, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-131
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Florida announce that the disaster relief teleregistration hours have changed. Beginning Thursday, August 19, 2004, the line will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until further notice.
Individuals who suffered losses from Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley must call the toll-free FEMA line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for FEMA assistance. The TTY number for speech- and hearing-impaired individuals is 1-800-462-7585.
Telephones are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers for those with no access to a phone. Call volume remains high, and FEMA officials ask people to please hold on as wait times are running several minutes.
The telephone call is the first step toward receiving various forms of help. The call will take approximately 20 minutes; applicants will be asked for basic information such as the address of the loss, current contact information, the applicant's Social Security number, size of the household and other information.
FEMA and state disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate for an individual's entire loss. For applicants and business owners who have insurance, federal and state programs may help pay for basic needs not covered by an insurance policy.
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: Thursday, 19-Aug-2004 17:22:07