FEMA Adjusts Allison 'Helpline' Hours of Operation
Release Date: February 1, 2002
Release Number: 1379-133
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Houston, TX -- The operating hours for the toll-free Helpline number set up by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is being changed effective Monday, February 4, 2002.
The Helpline number is 800-525-0321 (800-462-7585 for speech- and hearing-impaired persons). FEMA personnel will be answering the phones between the new hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"If you want to check on the status of your application for disaster assistance, call our Helpline for answers," said Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells. "Helpline personnel are trained to give you clear, accurate, timely answers. If personnel are unable to answer your specific question, they will refer you to other agencies or organizations that can help you."
The Helpline specialists are an important resource for all applicants affected by the flooding. They can provide services such as:
- Checking on the status of applications
- Updating information about the applicant including changes in income, telephone number and address
- Referring special needs to appropriate locations
- Assisting in contacting the SBA concerning disaster loans
- Answering questions concerning receipt by FEMA of letters and Fax messages
Note: Translation help is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages.
"We're fortunate to have the capability to guide flood victims through the recovery process by phone," said Butch Smith, state coordinating officer of the Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Texas Department of Public Safety. "Our goal is to assure those affected by Tropical Storm Allison that both FEMA and the State of Texas plan to continue providing assistance through the recovery period."
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Oct-2003 10:09:48