Residents Of 15 Washington Counties Urged To Register For Federal/State Disaster Aid
Release Date: November 13, 2003
Release Number: 1499-01
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms and Flooding
Everett, WA -- State and federal officials encourage residents located in the 15 counties who suffered damage or losses from the mid-October severe storms and flooding to register for disaster assistance as soon as possible.
On November 7, President Bush declared the northwestern Washington counties eligible for a wide range of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state programs to help individuals and businesses recover from the devastation caused by the onslaught of storms that struck the area October 15-23, 2003.
The 15 Washington counties declared eligible for federal and state disaster assistance are Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Okanogan, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom.
The application phone number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for persons with speech or hearing impairments
FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer for the recovery operation, Anthony Russell, urged everyone in the counties who suffered disaster-related damage to register immediately. He said, "The process of recovering from this disaster begins only when you call FEMA's toll-free application number."
The various programs and services offered may include financial assistance to pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Washington State Coordinating Officer, Diane R. Offord, said residents of the eligible counties who sustained damage from the recent severe storms and flooding must call FEMA's application line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), to begin the registration process. "The sooner you register by phone, the sooner your application for assistance will be processed. Operators are available to assist you every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, until further notice."
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 09:49:04