Disaster Officials Offer Tips To Speed Assistance
Release Date: September 19, 2005
Release Number: 1605-025
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Al. - Disaster recovery officials overseeing efforts to assist Alabama residents and displaced Hurricane Katrina evacuees currently in the state are recommending an action plan for individuals and businesses to help speed the possibility of obtaining state and federal disaster aid:
- Register as soon as possible. Homeowners, renters, and business owners who suffered losses must call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to be eligible for disaster assistance. Individuals with hearing- or speech-impairments should call (TTY) 800-462-7585. The lines are open from 24-hours a day, 7 days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available. On line registration via the Internet is available 24/7 at http://www.fema.gov.;
- Register, even if you are insured. Your insurance coverage may not be adequate and some damage may not show up until later. Anyone who suffered any hurricane damage or loss should register for assistance;
- Remember, disaster assistance covers a wide range of losses. Disaster-related uninsured losses of essential personal property, anything from a wheelchair to a major appliance, may qualify for some form of federal/state assistance;
- Stay in touch and keep appointments after you have registered for disaster assistance. A FEMA inspector will make an appointment to visit your home, usually within four to six days. Avoid delays by keeping appointments. Call to change the appointment by using the FEMA Helpline also at 800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 800-462-7585;
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) if you have questions or need more information. Six DRCs are now open in various parts of the state. Three DRCs are mobile units that visit areas in a series of 2-3 day stops. All DRCs, except the center at the Mobile Civic Center (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. until further notice;
- Return all forms promptly. Return all forms promptly. After registering, you may receive a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loan application package in the mail. Fill out and return these required forms promptly. SBA representatives are also available at every federal/state recovery center to answer questions and provide assistance with the application. The information you provide is important in identifying eligibility for other forms of disaster aid; and
- Rebuild with disaster prevention in mind. If you receive an emergency housing repair grant from FEMA, a follow-up letter will arrive after you receive your check. That letter will identify the purpose of the grant and will highlight the need to make repairs that will lessen the risks of future losses. Examples include raising electrical junction boxes and elevating major appliances to minimize floodwater damage.
Current DRC Locations:
Baldwin County
Foley Events Center
20801 County Road
Foley, AL[Mobile Unit]
Houston County
Houston County Volunteer Firefighter Ass’n. Facility
2358 Columbia Highway
Dothan, ALMobile County
[Mobile Unit]
Bayou La Batre Community Center
12745 Padgett Switch Road
Bayou La Batre, AL[Mobile Unit]
Alabama Army National Guard Facility
17530 Celeste Road
Citronelle, AL
[Sept. 17, through Wednesday, Sept. 21]Mobile Civic Center
401 Civic Center Drive
Mobile, AL
[Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily after Sept. 18.]Montgomery County
Vaughn Plaza
2801 West Vaughn Place
Montgomery, ALWashington County
Woodman of the World Lodge
18051 Jordon St., US 17 N
Chatom, AL
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: Tuesday, 20-Sep-2005 08:06:16