Recovery Help Available for Wisconsin Flood Victims
No need to delay cleanup when registering for assistance
Release Date: August 30, 2007
Release Number: 1719-002
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms and Flooding
LA CROSSE, Wis. -- A toll-free application telephone number and on-line registration are now operational for residents of Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, Sauk and Vernon counties who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding that began August 18, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM).
Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Bolch urges those affected by the disaster to apply at www.fema.gov or by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.
"Don't prejudge your eligibility - if you suffered damage from the storms and flooding, call or apply online," said Bolch. "Even if you have already reported damage to local officials or the American Red Cross, you must do so again with FEMA to be considered for assistance."
Disaster assistance may include:
- Grants to help pay for temporary housing and home repairs to make a home habitable
- Grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance
- Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for individuals and business owners to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Residents who applied for disaster assistance can expect to hear from an inspector who will schedule a visit to look at damaged property. FEMA schedules inspections within 7 to 10 days to verify losses. The U.S. Small Business Administration also sends loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications. And local building and safety inspectors may come to see if damaged structures are safe. All of these inspectors should have photo identification and there is no fee for these inspections.
"There is no need to wait for a FEMA inspector's visit before beginning cleanup," Diane Kleiboer, state coordinating officer, said. "It is not required, but it may be helpful to photograph the damage prior to cleanup. You should always keep receipts for flood damage repairs and expenses already completed."
FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance.
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, 31-Aug-2007 10:08:29