Be Prepared With Storm Damage Expense Records 

Release Date: July 14, 2005
Release Number: 1593-004

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Dennis

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Alabamans who apply for federal and state aid for damages stemming from Hurricane Dennis need to document their losses.

The first step in recovery following a presidentially declared disaster such as Dennis is to apply for assistance by calling the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or for speech or hearing impaired 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Those with Internet access can register on-line at http://www.fema.gov.

Applicants should have their name, social security number, address, a phone number where they can be contacted and insurance information when calling. Homeowners, renters, or business owners also should contact their insurance company or agent.

If displaced from their homes or apartments, applicants also should leave an address where they can receive mail. That will ensure that they received important disaster assistance materials and any assistance checks. Help can be delayed when applicants can’t be reached.

“There are a number of other things applicants can do that will facilitate the claim,” said Alabama’s Federal Coordinating Officer, James N. Russo. Photographs should be taken of actual damages and receipts should be retained for expenditures pertaining to disaster-related losses or damages.”

Receipts for purchases of emergency damage repairs, materials, emergency housing rental and similar related expenses should be saved.

Inspectors will be calling and visiting after the application is made to FEMA and those records should be available when those calls and/or visits come.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 14-Jul-2005 15:03:13