Disaster Officials Provide Recovery Information 

Release Date: May 19, 2001
Release Number: 1370-03

» More Information on Minnesota Flooding

St. Paul, MN -- The disaster declaration for Minnesota issued by President Bush clears the way for federal and state assistance programs to help those in need in the declared counties. Homeowners, renters, and business owners affected by the severe winter storms, flooding and tornadoes, which began March 23, are urged by federal and state officials to follow some important steps to help begin the recovery process. People who suffered damage in the following counties are eligible to apply for the assistance: Benton, Chippewa, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, St. Louis, Stevens, Wabasha, Washington, Winona, and Yellow Medicine. Also eligible are the Tribal governments of Prairie Island and Upper Sioux.

If you do not live in one of the designated counties and experienced damage from the spring bad weather, you can call the toll--free number to inform disaster officials of your losses.

Apply for Assistance

"People affected by the flooding and severe weather should apply for assistance as soon as possible," Kevin Leuer, director and state coordinating officer for the Minnesota Division of Emergency Management (DEM), said.

Application for all types of disaster assistance starts with a single call to 1 800 462--9029, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll--free application number. This number is available between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice. Those who are speech or hearing impaired can call to apply toll--free at TTY 1 800 462--7585.

"It's easy, efficient, and the only way to begin the process of helping us to help you," James Roche, FEMA federal coordinating officer, said. "Don't prejudge your eligibility." The various programs and services offered to flood and severe weather victims by FEMA, DEM and other voluntary agencies include: assistance to pay for temporary housing, emergency repair or rebuilding, mortgage and rental costs; individual and family grants to cover unmet needs; and disaster unemployment assistance.

Don't Delay Cleanup of Damaged Property

Individuals and families whose homes were damaged as a result of disaster may be eligible for disaster housing assistance.

"Our top priority is to make sure that everyone has safe, livable housing," Roche said "The disaster housing program is designed to provide immediate assistance to those whose homes were made unlivable because of the flooding, tornadoes and severe winter storm."

"There is no need to wait for a FEMA inspector's visit before beginning cleanup," Leuer emphasized. "It is not required but it may be helpful to photograph the damage prior to cleanup. You also should keep receipts for flood damage repairs already completed. This is a time for keeping good records."

Notify Insurance Company

State and federal officials urge flood insurance policyholders to file claims quickly. Minnesota residents affected by the recent flooding who have flood insurance should contact the insurance company or agent that wrote their policy immediately in order to file a claim.

Officials of the National Flood Insurance Program offer the following tips to make the process of filing a flood insurance claim faster and easier:

"Remember, the most important thing to do is to contact the insurance company or agent who wrote your flood insurance policy," Leuer said. "Returning to a flood--damaged home is a traumatic experience. But recovering from that damage is everyone's goal, and we want to make sure that this process is fast and easy for you."

Last Modified: Thursday, 23-Oct-2003 09:27:48