Assistance Checks Reach Indiana Disaster Victims 

Release Date: June 8, 2004
Release Number: 1520-006

» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- In less than a week since the application process began for disaster assistance in the five disaster declared counties of Indiana, more than $144,000 in disaster assistance checks have been issued to assist those affected by late May's severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, state and federal officials announced today.

To date, 710 people in the five disaster designated counties who suffered damage or loss in the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began May 27th, have registered with FEMA by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply. The number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, local time, until further notice.

"We're committed to providing disaster assistance as quickly as possible and this assistance is an important first step in the recovery process," Justo "Tito" Hernandez, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Federal Coordinating Officer, said. "We will continue to work with our state, local and volunteer partners to help meet the needs of those who were affected by the recent storms."

Already $144,202 in Housing Assistance grants have been approved and disbursed since President Bush announced the disaster declaration June 3, 2004.

"This early in the recovery process our concern is for people's housing needs," Luther J. Taylor, Sr., Indiana State Emergency Management (SEMA) State Coordinating Officer, said. "Our top priority is getting people into safe and sanitary living quarters so they can continue on with their lives."

Disaster housing assistance comes in the form of grants for temporary housing needs and for homeowners to make essential repairs. This assistance serves as an interim solution to people's housing needs until long-term solutions are addressed, typically through insurance or loans.

Other Needs Assistance provides for uninsured or under-insured disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs, which may include grants for medical, dental, personal property, transportation and other expenses that FEMA approves.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 09-Jun-2004 10:11:02