Disaster Assistance Available For New Hampshire Residents
Release Date: April 28, 2007
Release Number: 1695-001
» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - Residents of Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford counties who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding that began April 15 may now register for state and federal disaster assistance. FEMA and New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) officials urge those affected by the disaster to apply at www.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Residents that have reported damage to local officials or the Red Cross must do so again with FEMA to receive assistance.
Disaster assistance for individuals provided by FEMA and HSEM may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
When calling to apply or registering online have the following information available:
- The address of the damaged dwelling
- An address and phone number where you can currently be reached;
- Your Social Security number;
- Your insurance company or agent and your policy number;
- Bank account information if you wish to receive your assistance via direct deposit.
After the application is made, a FEMA inspector will call to arrange a visit to the damaged home. Inspectors from FEMA and SBA carry official photo identification and do not charge anything for this service. Residents should ask for identification when an inspector visits.
The inspectors will first examine any structural damage to the home, then review damaged or destroyed personal property. During the inspection, property owners will be asked to show proof of ownership and occupancy. Renters also need to show proof of occupancy. If insurance papers are available, residents should show them to the inspector, and officials will ask applicants to show identification.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. FEMAs temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments 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: Friday, 04-May-2007 15:30:56