Over 1500 Claims For Disaster Assistance Approved 

Nearly $4 Million To Hoosiers Within Two Weeks Of Declaration

Release Date: February 4, 2005
Release Number: 1573-017

» More Information on Indiana Severe Winter Storms and Flooding

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- A total of $3,761,365 in grants has been approved for disaster assistance to over 1500 approved applicants in Indiana in two weeks 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 officials added that the number of approved claims will continue to rise as more applications are processed.

The following is an update of recovery activities as of close of business Thursday, February 3.

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) or TTY 1 800 462-7585 for those with hearing or speech impairment. These numbers are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available to take your call. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on FEMA's website at 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.

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 declared counties in Indiana, may be eligible for the Individuals and Households Program. Twenty three additional counties were added to the declaration on Monday, January 31, bringing the total counties eligible for individual assistance to 85. 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 1,966 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 and SBA Disaster Outreach Centers to help applicants who need assistance completing their loan paperwork.

Six New Disaster Recovery Centers Locations Announced

Disaster Recovery Centers are being opened by federal, state, and county officials throughout the state for disaster victims to meet face-to-face with representatives from various assistance agencies. The center locations are:

Current Disaster Recovery Centers will become SBA Disaster Outreach Centers on February 7. The outreach centers 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. These outreach centers will remain open until further notice. The locations are:

The SBA Disaster Outreach Center already established in Howard County on Mulberry St. in Kokomo will remain open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., until further notice.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Disaster unemployment assistance has been approved for residents of the 85 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 assistance 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

Disaster officials announced that a Crisis Counseling Program has been approved and will utilize 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. Crisis counseling can help disaster victims begin to rebuild their lives.

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: Monday, 07-Feb-2005 08:39:14