President Declares Major Disaster For Indiana
Release Date: September 24, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-226
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Flooding
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Indiana. The assistance will supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on September 12, 2008, and continuing.
FEMA Director David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state of Indiana by President Bush. The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Lake, LaPorte, and Porter counties.
The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
Paulison named Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. DeBlasio said that additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice.
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, 24-Sep-2008 09:34:40