Disaster Assistance Only A Phone Call Away
Release Date: June 27, 2003
Release Number: 1463-68
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Springfield, MO -- Though Disaster Recovery Centers have closed, help is still available for individuals and business owners in Missouri who were affected by the May tornadoes, severe storms and flooding.
"Disaster assistance is still only a phone call away," said Mike Karl, federal coordinating officer for the Missouri recovery effort. "We encourage anyone who hasn't registered for federal and state disaster assistance to do so before the July 7 deadline."
Applications for disaster assistance are taken by phone by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll free at 800-621-FEMA (3362), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or TTY for the hearing or speech-impaired at 800-462-7585.
Those who have already applied for disaster assistance may call the above telephone numbers to check on the status of their applications or to update their information as needed. To date, 6,390 Missourians have applied for federal and state disaster assistance.
"We don't want anyone who suffered losses in the May disaster to miss out on the assistance they may be entitled to," said Jerry Uhlmann, state coordinating officer.
Disaster survivors may be eligible for a number of programs, including grants for temporary disaster housing assistance; funds to repair disaster-damaged homes to a safe and sanitary living or functional condition; replacement grants for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. Other assistance may be through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property. Free legal services and crisis counseling programs are also available.
Last Modified: Friday, 27-Jun-2003 08:33:27