Three More Counties Added For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: May 12, 2007
Release Number: 1699-002b

» More Information on Kansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

GREENSBURG, Kan. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expanding the federal aid available in Kansas associated with severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck May 4 and continuing.

The initial declaration authorized Individual Assistance for only Kiowa County. Assistance now has been expanded to include three more counties: Edwards, Pratt, and Stafford.

Individuals in those counties are urged to register for assistance right away by calling toll-free (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585. They also may register online at www.FEMA.gov or visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. Representatives of state, federal, local and voluntary agencies are available to answer questions and provide recovery information. The DRC, located in the Barclay College Auditorium at 100 East Elm St., Haviland, Kansas, is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.

Applications for federal assistance are also being taken at a mobile Disaster Recovery Center in the parking lot of the Greensburg Courthouse. Phones are available onsite for applicants to register. The DRC at the courthouse is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Disaster programs available include temporary housing, disaster unemployment and grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not met by insurance or other programs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources.

SBA representatives are at the DRC to explain to individuals and business owners how SBA’s low-interest disaster loans can help pay for their disaster losses, answer questions, assist applicants with completing their loan application and accept completed applications. Anyone not able to visit a DRC can call SBA toll free at (800) 659‑955 or go on line at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-May-2007 16:42:06