$133 Million In Southern California Disaster Aid
Release Date: December 20, 2003
Release Number: 1498-055
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PASADENA, Calif. -- More than $133 million in federal and state disaster assistance has been approved for individuals in the five fire-stricken Southern California counties since the federal disaster declaration in October, disaster recovery officials reported today.
Residents have until January 9, 2004 to register for federal and state programs such as temporary disaster housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, or grants to meet disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other programs.
People who suffered damage during the fires but haven’t registered for assistance can call the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech- or hearing-impaired can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except Christmas and New Year’s Days when the lines will be closed.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, FEMA may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid, such as individual assistance awards, does not have to be paid back, while other kinds of help may come in the form of loans.
The following summarizes $133 million in aid approved to date by FEMA the SBA, and the State of California.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $110.7 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.
- Housing assistance checks totaling $5.7 million have been approved to help with temporary housing and essential home repairs.
- Payments totaling $16 million have been approved to help with other needs such as replacing personal property, and medical, dental, funeral, transportation, moving and storage expenses.
- The State of California Department of Social Services has approved a total of 132 State Supplemental Grants totaling more than $718,000.
- FEMA inspectors have completed 8,100 inspections of fire-damaged properties.
More than 21,000 people have registered for aid since fire swept through Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties in October.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
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, 15-Jan-2004 15:38:40