Apply Now for Disaster Assistance -- Don't Wait for Deadline
Release Date: July 2, 2001
Release Number: 1369-31
» More Information on Wisconsin Flooding
West Salem, WI -- Wisconsin residents who are eligible for federal and state disaster assistance are urged to apply immediately.
"Don't wait for your insurance settlement to call," said Al Shanks, deputy administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM). "You can always provide additional information after you register by phone."
Homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered flooding, storm or tornado damage can register by calling 1--800--462--9029 -- the toll--free number operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The TTY number for applicants who are speech or hearing impaired is 1--800--462--7585.
"Don't wait for the Aug. 10 deadline," said Tom Davies of FEMA, the federal coordinating officer for the Wisconsin disaster recovery.
FEMA's teleregistration number is open from 8 am to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The line will be open on July Fourth.
Grants and low--interest loans are available to help individuals and businesses recover from losses. Applicants should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
To date, 2,019 individuals from 17 designated Wisconsin counties have registered for federal disaster assistance. The counties eligible for individual assistance are Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Crawford, Douglas, Grant, La Crosse, Outagamie, Pepin, Pierce, Rusk, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon, Washburn and Winnebago.
President Bush's May 11 disaster declaration for April flooding was expanded to include severe storms on June 11 and the tornado in northwestern Wisconsin on June 18.
If you have already registered with FEMA and have questions about your application or need to report further damage, call the FEMA Helpline at 1--800--525--0321.
Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Oct-2003 10:18:58