FEMA Delivers Message In Person
Release Date: October 16, 2008
Release Number: 1800-012
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Federal assistance is available: That is the message many representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are delivering in person throughout disaster-ravaged communities in seven northeastern Illinois counties.
"FEMA wants to assure that all affected individuals and families know that they may be eligible for assistance and should register," said Federal Coordinating Officer Libby Turner. "That is why we have shoes on the ground in every area where there may be people eligible for help."
When arriving in a community, FEMA's Community Relations (CR) specialists usually meet with emergency managers, law enforcement, local officials, community and faith-based groups. These agencies help CR find the geographical areas most affected by the severe weather and locate the people who should be informed about federal assistance. Going door-to-door in the neighborhoods, FEMA's CR specialists are easily identified by their dark blue FEMA shirts and jackets as well as their photo ID badges.
CR teams explain eligibility for federal disaster assistance, answer questions, explain the registration process and urge people to tell their friends and neighbors. Libraries, houses of worship, community groups, local businesses and organizations usually offer to post FEMA assistance notices on bulletin boards, distribute flyers, make announcements and do whatever else they can to get the message out.
CR teams also identify those who may have special needs, such as the elderly and those with disabilities, and help connect them to supportive resources.
To date, CR specialists have met with 2,215 residents and contacted 461 faith-based organizations, 1,669 businesses, 260 government agencies and 41 community-based organizations.
FEMA continues to urge anyone with property losses from the severe storms and flooding Sept. 13-Oct. 5 in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle and Will counties to register with FEMA as a first step to accessing all forms of federal disaster assistance. Disaster victims may register online at www.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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: Friday, 17-Oct-2008 09:43:08