Less Than Two Weeks To Apply For FEMA Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: February 18, 2005
Release Number: 1549-117

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Ivan

MOBILE, Ala. -- Residents and businesses who suffered losses or damages as a result of Hurricane Ivan have only two weeks left to apply for disaster assistance, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA). To date, more than 163,000 Alabamians have registered for assistance and made over 5100 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers.

Thursday, March 3, 2005 is the deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. It is also the deadline to return SBA packets.

"As the registration deadline approaches, we encourage homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained uninsured losses to register for assistance before the application deadline," said State Coordinating Officer Bruce Baughman. "To delay making this important call could mean missing an opportunity to receive disaster aid."

Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing- or speech-impaired. Representatives at the toll-free telephone numbers are available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CST) Monday through Saturday until further notice. You can also register online using FEMA's newly implemented Internet registration at www.fema.gov.

FEMA operates a Helpline for those who may need information or have to make a change on their application. The Helpline has the same phone number and operating hours as the 800 number.

"We want to be sure that we have reached everyone who needs help and that no one is left out," said Federal Coordinating Officer Tony Russell.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and effectively manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Friday, 18-Feb-2005 09:59:07