Disaster Assistance Available To Those Affected By Tropical Storm Fay
Release Date: September 28, 2002
Release Number: 1434-02
» More Information on Texas Tropical Storm Fay
San Antonio, TX -- On September 26, President Bush declared nine counties in Texas as major disaster areas. The designated counties are: Brazoria, Frio, Galveston, La Salle, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, San Patricio and Wharton.
Homeowners, renters, and business owners who sustained losses as a result of Tropical Storm Fay may find assistance through a wide range of state and federal programs, according to state and federal disaster officials. Residents may apply for assistance by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. The registration lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
"We want people to know that we are working to make sure services are provided to those who need them," said Scott Wells, federal coordinating officer for the recovery effort. "A number of disaster assistance programs are in place to help the people affected by the flooding."
State Coordinating Officer Duke Mazurek encourages those affected to call the FEMA 1-800 number. "Making this call is the first step in getting assistance."
The primary aid programs include temporary disaster housing assistance, low-interest loans for repair and replacement of real or personal property and grants to help meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate individuals for their entire loss. If an individual has insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under their insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of loans.
Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 11:29:29