Two Weeks Left to Apply for Disaster Assistance
Release Date: April 17, 2007
Release Number: 1687-057
» More Information on Alabama Severe Storms and Tornadoes
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- There are just two weeks remaining to register for disaster assistance for those who suffered losses due to the March 1 storms and tornadoes.
Eligible homeowners, renters and businesses in the seven counties of Coffee, Dale, Dallas , Henry, Jefferson, Montgomery and Wilcox must register by May 2, according to officials of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"While many people are already receiving disaster assistance, there may be some who still have not registered because they think there may be no assistance for their uninsured disaster-related losses," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech.
"We urge you to register then let FEMA determine eligibility," said Alabama State Coordinating Officer Bruce Baughman. "If you don't apply by May 2, there may not be any federal assistance available for you."
Register for assistance by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The TTY number is (800) 462-7585 for those who are speech or hearing impaired. Applicants can also register on line at www.fema.gov .
Applicants who have registered can call the Helpline at the same number if they have any questions or additional information to provide.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
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: Tuesday, 17-Apr-2007 12:14:33