Disaster Assistance Available for Hoosier Residents
Release Date: June 12, 2008
Release Number: 1766-002
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- A toll-free application telephone number and on-line registration are now operational for residents in eight Indiana counties who suffered property damage or losses from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 30 and continuing.
The Indiana counties designated for Individual Assistance (IA) are Bartholomew, Hancock, Johnson, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Vermillion and Vigo counties. Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.
State and Federal officials encourage those affected by the disaster to apply for assistance immediately by going online to www.fema.gov or by calling this toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time), seven days a week, until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
Officials remind affected residents who have already filled out damage report forms with the State, or their county emergency managers, or voluntary agencies that they must register with FEMA at the above numbers or Web site to be eligible for federal assistance.
All residents are also encouraged to get involved with the recovery by helping spread the word about available assistance. Tell your neighbor.
The declaration makes a wide range of programs available to residents such as funding for temporary disaster housing assistance, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or assistance programs.
When applying for help, be sure to have the following information available:
- Your current phone number;
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying;
- Your Social Security number, if available;
- A general list of damages and losses you suffered;
- If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;
- General financial information;
- Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy.
Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes are also available to repay or replace damaged or destroyed property.
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: Thursday, 12-Jun-2008 12:25:10