FEMA Offers Two Easy Ways To Apply For Disaster Assistance
Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or log on to www.fema.gov
Release Date: June 28, 2008
Release Number: 1771-003
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Nearly 600 Illinois residents have already found out there are two easy ways to apply for federal disaster assistance - by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free number or going online.
The 14 Illinois counties designated for Individual Assistance include Adams, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, Lake, Lawrence, Mercer and Winnebago. Anyone in those counties who suffered damage from the severe storms and flooding beginning June 1 and continuing, can register with FEMA either online or by phone.
Homeowners, renters, and business owners can register by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments, or they can register online at www.fema.gov. The telephone numbers are operating 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.
By registering, applicants may be considered for assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Assistance could include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious, necessary disaster-related expenses such as damaged personal property, medical and dental expenses. Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA also will be available to cover residential (both renters and homeowners) and business physical and economic losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Residents are encouraged to register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA does not duplicate insurance payments or pay deductibles, but applicants may be eligible for assistance with serious, necessary expenses not covered by insurance. Those who find themselves with under-insured losses may be reconsidered after claims have been settled.
Applying with FEMA is required separately from registration with any other disaster relief organization. When registering, applicants should provide current contact information, insurance information, and a brief description of damage sustained as well as the specific location of damaged property.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 30-Jun-2008 10:04:40