Frequently Asked Questions From The DC Disaster
Release Date: August 16, 2001
Release Number: 1389-FAQ
Q: Who should call FEMA?
A: If you are a District resident or a business owner who experienced uninsured or under-insured damage from the severe rainstorms and flooding during August 10 - 12, you may be eligible for some sort of disaster assistance. Call 1-800-462-9029 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) to register. Businesses that suffered losses or economic injury due to the flooding should also call the toll-free number to register.
Q: What types of disaster assistance are available for people who were affected by the storms and flooding?
A: There are many different types of assistance. One type of help is FEMA's Disaster Housing Program that can provide grants to people whose primary residences were damaged in the flooding. The program's goal is to provide residents with a safe and sanitary place to live. Assistance can be in the form of emergency home repairs or temporary rental assistance. The grants are available to both homeowners and renters, for essential needs only, and usually do not compensate people for their entire loss.
Q: What types of damages might be covered under the Disaster Housing Program?
A: Again, the Disaster Housing Program covers essential needs only. Some minor repair that might be eligible includes: home cleanup for sewer and water damage, and the repair or replacement of water heaters and furnaces.
Q: What can the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) do for me as a homeowner, business owner or renter?
A: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can provide low-interest, long-term loans to individuals for repairs or replacement of real and disaster-damaged personal property. You must complete and return the SBA loan application in order to be considered for further grant assistance. For additional information on SBA's disaster loan program, visit SBA's web site at www.sba.gov/disaster.
Q: What happens if I can't afford a loan?
A: If the SBA finds an applicant ineligible for a loan, or if the loan amount is insufficient, SBA automatically refers the applicant to the District's Individual and Family Grant (IFG) program for consideration.
Q: What other help is available?
A: Help may also be available from District of Columbia agencies or voluntary agencies such as the American Red Cross.
Q: What information will I have to provide when I register?
A: The phone call is a simple process that only takes about 20 minutes. A FEMA representative will ask for a phone number where you can be reached, your social security number, the address of the damaged property, a description of the damages that occurred, a current mailing address, and any insurance information that you have.
Q: What happens after I register?
A: If you had uninsured damages, a FEMA inspector will call to make an appointment for a visit of the damaged property. The inspector will have FEMA identification and will not ask for any payment for the inspection. The inspector is there only to record the damages and send the information back to FEMA to helps determine what assistance is eligible.
Q: Where can I get answers to questions about my application?
A: The FEMA Helpline is an important resource for those who have already registered for disaster assistance. That toll-free number is 1-800-525-0321 (TTY:1-800-462-7585). Also, a disaster recovery center is available where applicants can meet face-to-face with representatives from FEMA, SBA, and other federal, District, and voluntary agencies to get answers to their questions about disaster assistance. Call to register before you visit. The center is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at:
Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center
2000 14th St., NW-2nd floor, Community Room
(Corner of 14th and U St.)
Metro stop: U St. & Cardozo -(Green Line)
Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Oct-2003 10:05:51