Only Two Weeks Remain to Register for Disaster Assistance
Release Date: August 6, 2001
Release Number: 1383-19
» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Storm Allison
Warminster, PA -- If you haven't yet applied for disaster assistance, you have just two more weeks to call to register.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in Berks, Bucks and Montgomery counties affected by the flooding from Tropical Storm Allison should register as soon as possible by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free registration line, 1-800-462-9029.
The registration hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. FEMA also operates a special TTY number for hearing- or speech-impaired applicants: 1-800-462-7585.
Monday, Aug. 20, is the final day to apply for federal disaster assistance made possible by President Bush's disaster declaration. To date, the disaster housing program has disbursed more than $3.3 million to 1,600 Pennsylvanians.
"Don't assume you are not eligible for assistance," said Karen Critchfield, of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and commonwealth coordinating officer for the disaster recovery. "We do not want to miss anyone who may need help."
Assistance available to disaster victims includes grants for alternate rental housing and emergency repairs needed to make a residence habitable. The U.S. Small Business Administration can make low-interest, long-term disaster loans to renters, homeowners and business owners for repair, replacement or rebuilding of disaster-damaged homes and businesses.
"FEMA will continue to process existing assistance applications, but the deadline for registering is Aug. 20," Pete Martinasco, FEMA federal coordinating officer, said.
Even after the deadline, applicants may reach FEMA by calling the Helpline at 1-800-525-0321 (TTY 1-800-426-7585). Helpline representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer questions about assistance or the status of a caller's application.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Oct-2003 09:21:28