Deadline Nears To Apply For Tornado Disaster Help 

Release Date: December 30, 2002
Release Number: 1442-15

» More Information on Alabama Severe Storms and Tornadoes

Birmingham, AL -- Alabama tornado victims who have not yet registered for federal disaster assistance have only two more weeks to apply. Jan. 13, 2003, is the last day to file applications for most disaster assistance programs, according to federal and state disaster recovery officials.

Homeowners, renters, farmers, agricultural producers and business owners in Alabama who sustained damage from storms and tornadoes between Nov. 5 - 12 are encouraged to apply. Call the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration number at 1-800-621- FEMA (3362) to register. Those with hearing- or speech-impairments can register by calling TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Applicants may qualify for assistance under several federal and state programs such as disaster housing assistance, grants to meet disaster-related needs or U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans. The application deadline for SBA physical damage loans is Jan. 13, 2003. SBA loan applications must be completed and returned to the SBA before further requests may be considered.

After the deadline, if questions about an application arise, applicants may reach FEMA by calling the Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Helpline representatives are available to answer questions about the assistance process or the status of applications. The TTY Helpline number is 1-800-462-7585.

The 29 affected counties are Barbour, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Cullman, Dale, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.

Last Modified: Monday, 21-Apr-2003 11:38:38