Registration With FEMA Begins Assistance Process
Release Date: May 15, 2007
Release Number: 1691/93-006
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SCARBOROUGH, Maine - Residents of York and Cumberland counties who have called their county emergency manager but not yet contacted FEMA are not registered to receive state and federal disaster assistance. Those affected must apply at www.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
"Mainers helped us learn where assistance was needed by reporting damage locally," said State Coordinating Officer Ginnie Ricker, of the Maine Emergency Management Agency. "But residents must now contact FEMA to receive the full complement of disaster aid."
When calling to apply or registering online have the following information available:
- The address of the damaged dwelling
- An address and phone number where you can currently be reached;
- Your Social Security number;
- Your insurance company or agent and your policy number;
- Bank account information if you wish to receive your assistance via direct deposit.
"The registration process is quite simple and should take no more than thirty minutes," stated Federal Coordinating Officer Albie Lewis of FEMA. "Then in about 3 to 5 days an inspector will visit your home to document the damages. There is no charge for this inspection and inspectors will always carry identification. Don't hesitate to ask if you are unsure."
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has statutory responsibility for statewide coordination of emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. MEMA is a bureau of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-May-2007 16:28:35