Disaster Aid Tops $1 Million In One Week 

Release Date: January 28, 2005
Release Number: 1573-010

» More Information on Indiana Severe Winter Storms and Flooding

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- A total of $1,168,363 in grants has been approved for disaster assistance in Indiana in just one week since the Presidential declaration on January 21, according to figures released today by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Disaster recovery officials urge anyone who suffered damages or loss from the severe winter storms and flooding to apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with speech or hearing impairment can call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Those with Internet access have the option to apply online at http://www.fema.gov. The deadline to apply for assistance is March 22.

The following is an update of recovery activities as of close of business Friday, January 28.

Individuals and Households Program

Individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent severe winter storms and flooding that began January 1, and are in one of the 62 declared counties in Indiana may be eligible for the Individuals and Households Program. This assistance may be used for temporary disaster housing assistance; repairing disaster-damaged, uninsured homes to a safe, sanitary and functional condition and replacement grants for serious, disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The SBA has issued 935 loan applications to homeowners, renters and/or business owners. Officials urge applicants to complete their loan paperwork as soon as possible, even if they have not received a final settlement from their insurance company. If the loan application is not returned it will delay other forms of disaster assistance. SBA representatives are available at all Disaster Recovery Centers for applicants who need assistance completing their loan paperwork.

The Kokomo center, located at the Howard County Emergency Management Office at 120 E. Mulberry St. Room 6 will be transitioning into a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Outreach Center in the same location. The outreach center will provide SBA assistance with loan information. The hours will remain 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and a FEMA representative will be available to answer questions. This outreach center will remain open until further notice.

Application and Helpline Numbers Continue to Operate

Individuals, families, and business owners who suffered losses in the declared counties should apply for assistance by calling FEMA’S toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The special number for those with hearing or speech impairment is TTY 1 800 462-7585. These numbers are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual operators are available to take your call. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available.

Individuals may check on the status of their application, update their current information, or request general assistance information by calling those same toll-free numbers.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Disaster unemployment assistance has been approved for residents of the 62 disaster declared counties who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster. The program is administered by the state and eligible persons include: self-employed agricultural and hourly workers; self-employed business people; business owners unable to provide services; and other unemployed workers who are out of work as a direct result of the disaster and who do not otherwise qualify for unemployment benefits. Those interested in Disaster Unemployment should call 1-888-WORKONE or log on to the Department of Workforce Development web site at www.workforce.IN.gov/dwd/.

Crisis Counseling Program

FEMA officials announced that a Crisis Counseling Program has been approved through Project Aftermath. The program provides long-term counseling for those affected by the severe winter storms and flooding. Those interested in crisis counseling should call 1-800-564-6460. The phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People in the declared areas have seen their lives severely affected by the disaster and crisis counseling provided can help disaster victims begin to rebuild their lives.

Disaster Recovery Centers Open Throughout the State

Disaster Recovery Centers are open throughout the state for disaster victims to meet face-to-face with representatives from various assistance agencies. The center locations are:

All Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and effectively manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, 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: Friday, 28-Jan-2005 17:15:38