Two Weeks to Register as FEMA Recovery Assistance Totals Rise
Release Date: January 26, 2007
Release Number: 1671-035
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
LACEY, Wash. -- With the deadline to register for disaster assistance a little more than two weeks away, recovery assistance totals continue to rise. In consultation with the State of Washington , FEMA has extended the deadline to register for federal/state assistance for those affected by the Nov.2-11 floods to Feb. 12 to be consistent with the application period for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
To date, more than $3,922,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster recovery assistance have been disbursed. Currently, 2,075 people have applied for FEMA assistance and more than 1,100 applicants for assistance have been seen at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $6.18 million in low-interest disaster loans to Washington residents and businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding which occurred Nov. 2-11 in 11 Washington counties.
By close of business today, all DRCs will have either closed or transitioned to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. However there is still time to apply for assistance.
Washington residents or businesses that had losses or damages from the Nov. 2-11 flooding have until Feb. 12 to register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired , or registering on line at www.fema.gov .
Of the more than 1,100 applicants who have visited the DRCs:
- More than 71 percent (786) sought information about housing
- 56 percent (614) talked to a SBA representative
- 47 percent (523) asked for information on Hazard Mitigation
- 32 percent (353) inquired about tax help
- 24 percent (273) had needs other than housing
- 308 applicants registered for assistance at the DRCs
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 26-Jan-2007 12:02:41