Community Relations Teams Visit Disaster-Damaged Areas
Release Date: February 27, 2008
Release Number: 1746-003
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Community Relations specialists from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are working with the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) and county emergency management directors to reach out to people affected by the tornadoes and storms that began on Feb. 5 and resulted in a presidential major disaster declaration for nine commonwealth counties.
Teams are canvassing communities in Allen, Christian, Fayette, Hardin, Hart, Meade, Mercer, Monroe and Muhlenberg counties offering individuals and small business owners information about available disaster assistance programs:
- Grants to help pay for temporary disaster housing needs;
- Grants for essential repairs needed to make a residence safe, sanitary and functional;
- Low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property; and
- Replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.
"We rely on our Community Relations staff not only to get the word out, but also to find out first hand the problems that communities and individuals in those neighborhoods are facing," Michael Bolch, FEMA's coordinating officer, said. "Reaching out in this way lets people know that we're doing everything we can to help."
Team members are going door-to-door to talk with individuals who have suffered damage or loss. They will also meet with representatives of community-based agencies, community leaders and public officials. When community relations staff identifies unmet needs, information will be given to the state or federal agency best able to respond.
"Teams are making every attempt to inform disaster victims about the benefits available through a disaster declaration," Charlie Winter, in charge of state operations for the disaster recovery, said. "The Community Relations teams may discover their effort will require special means of communication and/or special types of assistance, including meetings at churches, civic clubs or special gatherings."
Team members will be reminding individuals that there are two easy ways to begin the application process. One of the two is to call FEMA's toll-free number, (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585, for the hearing- or speech-impaired. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual operators are also available to answer calls. Residents with Internet access also have the option to register on FEMA's website at www.fema.gov where valuable recovery information is also available.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's 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: Wednesday, 27-Feb-2008 18:04:49