Staying In Touch With FEMA Can Speed Oregonians Disaster Recovery
Release Date: January 1, 2008
Release Number: 1733-035
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SALEM, Ore. -- Staying in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the best way to keep your application for federal and state disaster assistance on track.
"We have a well-traveled path to help residents recover from disaster," said Federal Coordinating Officer Glen R. Sachtleben. "But sometimes families get stopped mid-way. The best way to keep your application moving is to keep communications open with our Helpline or a visit to one of FEMA's Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)."
Applicants, whose personal information has changed, need to be sure to call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. These lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Changes may also be made online at www.fema.gov/assistance. It's important that FEMA has your most up-to-date contact information.
"As insurance companies begin to pay for damages and losses, applicants may find that their losses are either under-insured or un-insured," said State Coordinating Officer Abby Kershaw, Oregon Emergency Management.. "FEMA needs to know about any changes in insurance coverage and any payments received."
Should you receive a denial letter, it may simply mean that FEMA doesn't have all the personal or insurance information needed to process your application. Read your denial letter carefully and respond as directed. You can always call the helpline or visit a DRC if you have questions about your application.
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.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-Jan-2008 08:52:15