What Happens After Calling FEMA?
Release Date: November 14, 2003
Release Number: 1499-03
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EVERETT, Wash. -- Disaster assistance is only a phone call away, but what happens after disaster victims call the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)? The number to call for the speech or hearing impaired is TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Callers are assigned a registration identification number for future reference in identifying their case. A FEMA inspector will telephone in a few days to make an appointment to visit the damaged home or apartment and assess the damage. During that initial telephone contact, the inspector will advise the applicant of what documentation is needed.
The following are points to remember during inspections:
- All inspectors wear a current photo identification badge.
- Clothing with names or insignias is not an indication they work for the agency.
- All FEMA inspectors carry a hand-held computer. It contains information about the person whose household they are inspecting.
- The computer is only for FEMA programs. It is of no use to anyone else.
- Inspectors do not determine any dollar amounts. They only look at reported damage and document it.
- Inspectors do not carry money or ask for money.
Among other programs, FEMA may provide housing assistance, which may include lodging expense reimbursement, repair assistance and/or temporary rental assistance.
After taking the first step of the assistance process - calling the registration number - the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may send you a loan application packet. It is most important to complete and return the SBA packet. If the SBA determines that homeowners or renters do not qualify for a loan, their name may be referred for assistance through the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program.
ONA may include medical, dental, funeral expenses, furniture, clothing, some appliances, vehicle costs (up to state limits), and other eligible expenses resulting from the disaster.
If the SBA packet is not completed and returned, the applicant may not be considered eligible for certain types of ONA assistance. Help in completing the SBA loan application is available at any Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Call the helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired), to find the DRC locations.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 14-Nov-2003 16:13:22