Wisconsin Disaster Aid Applications Continue at Brisk Pace
Release Date: July 15, 2008
Release Number: 1768-085
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Madison, Wis. -- More than 400 new applications for disaster assistance are being filed daily by Wisconsin residents recovering from recent severe storms and flooding, state and federal emergency managers report.
Registrations now total 32,410 from the 30 Wisconsin counties declared eligible for individual disaster assistance, resulting in almost $40 million in disaster assistance to date.
Recovery summary as of close of business July 14, 2008:
- $30.3 million in Individual Assistance has been distributed for temporary housing and repair and replacement of storm-damaged housing;
- $3.9 million has been provided for other disaster needs such as transportation, medical and dental expenses, moving and storage fees, and replacement or repair of personal property;
- $5.6 million has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and business owners;
- 28,441 home inspections have been completed;
- 6,248 individuals have visited the 15 Wisconsin Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs);
- 4,493 residents have been advised by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation experts on flood insurance, rebuilding to reduce future disaster damage, health and safety issues, and FEMA disaster assistance programs.
Wisconsin Emergency Management, FEMA and SBA officials urge Wisconsin individuals, families and business owners who live in disaster-declared counties and suffered damage from severe storms, tornadoes and ongoing flooding to apply for disaster-assistance grants and low interest SBA loans. Those who have registered and then encountered further damage or losses need not register again but should call the toll-free number and notify FEMA.
Residents with storm and flood-related damage can register or update their information by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. Lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT. Residents also may register online 24 hours a day at www.fema.gov.
Homeowners, renters and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and obtain help with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, by visiting the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov, or by talking to an SBA customer service representative at any DRC.
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: Wednesday, 16-Jul-2008 08:24:28