Community Relations Teams Visit Storm Damaged Areas
Release Date: September 13, 2002
Release Number: 1432-03
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Ladysmith, WI -- Community relations specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) are working with county emergency management directors and municipal officials to reach out to people affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred on September 2, 2002.
Teams are canvassing communities in the declared areas offering individuals and small businesses information about available disaster relief programs, including grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, minor home repairs and other serious needs as well as low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property.
"We rely on our community relations staff not only to get the word out but also to find out first hand the problems communities and individuals in those communities are facing," Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech explained. "Reaching out in this way lets people know that we're doing everything we can to help," Szczech added.
Team members are going door-to-door in those counties to talk with individuals who have suffered damage or loss, beginning in the most heavily damaged areas. They will also meet with representatives of community-based agencies, community leaders and public officials. When community relations staff identify unmet needs, information will be communicated to the state or federal staff best able to respond.
According to Alan B. Shanks, State Coordinating Officer for the disaster recovery operation, "We are making every attempt to inform disaster victims about the benefits available through a disaster declaration. That may require special means of communication and/or special types of assistance, all of which community relations teams will help to ensure."
Team members will be reminding people that they can begin the disaster assistance process by calling toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who are speech or hearing impaired, the number to call is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Lines will be in operation between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
The 19 counties recently declared eligible for federal and state disaster assistance include: Barron, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, St. Croix, Taylor, Washburn, Waupaca and Wood.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 13:18:02