Massachusetts Disaster Assistance to Individuals Tops $2.6 Million in First Week 

Release Date: June 2, 2006
Release Number: 1642-004

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BOSTON, Mass. -- More than $2.6 million in federal aid has been approved for Massachusetts residents in the week since President Bush issued a disaster declaration for three counties due to the flooding in mid-May.

To date, 3,635 applicants have registered for state and FEMA aid. Assistance to the three counties is as follows:

Anyone who has suffered losses or damages as a result of the storms is encouraged to register for assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Registration can also be done online at www.fema.gov/assistance. Those who registered with the Red Cross or with their local emergency manager must register with FEMA to be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 09:37:34