N.H. Flood Victims Must Apply To Receive Federal/State Aid
Release Date: June 2, 2006
Release Number: 1643-004
» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding
NEWINGTON, N.H.-- State and federal disaster officials are concerned that persons eligible for disaster aid from the recent storms may not be applying for aid under the erroneous assumption that by reporting damages to state and local officials or to the American Red Cross they have already applied for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. They must, however, apply directly to FEMA to receive assistance.
The only way to apply for state /federal assistance is by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired or by applying on line at www.fema.gov. Lines are open 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. seven days a week until further notice.
“Reporting damage to local officials does not mean that you are in the FEMA system,” said Kenneth Clark, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for this disaster. “We cannot provide assistance until you have called the registration number or applied online.”
On May 25, President George W. Bush declared a major disaster for Belknap, Carroll, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham and Strafford counties for severe storms and flooding that struck New Hampshire beginning May 12. The declaration allows homeowners, renters and business owners in these counties who sustained damages to apply for aid.
“We are working closely with our federal partners, as well as other state and local agencies, to ensure that affected residents are aware of the many resources available to them throughout the recovery and rebuilding processes,” said Mike Poirier, state coordinating officer for the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management (BEM). The toll-free telephone number for New Hampshire State Assistance Programs is 1-888-540-5605.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 11:40:23