Storm Victims Must Register Directly With FEMA To Be Eligible For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: June 13, 2004
Release Number: 1520-020

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

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Homeowners, renters and non-agricultural business owners who sustained damage during the severe storms and tornadoes that began May 27th, must register directly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to be eligible for federal disaster aid.

It has been reported that storm victims who contacted the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, or answered a county emergency management survey regarding their storm losses are under the impression they are already registered for federal disaster aid. However, to be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance, it is necessary to call the FEMA toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

On June 3rd, President Bush declared the disaster for federal assistance and designated five Indiana counties as a result of the severe storms and tornadoes that started on May 27th. On Friday, June 11th, 35 more counties were included.

The counties designated eligible for federal and state disaster assistance on June 3rd were Clark, Crawford, Washington, Marion and Miami. Those designated June 11th were Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Dubois, Floyd, Fountain, Fulton, Gibson, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Howard, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, Montgomery, Morgan, Orange, Perry, Pike, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Tippecanoe, Vanderburgh, Wabash, Warren, Warrick, and White. If you live in one of these counties and have suffered damage as a result of the storms, you are urged to call the toll-free registration number listed above.

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: Monday, 14-Jun-2004 10:32:24