More Counties Could Be Included In Disaster Declaration
Even Victims In Non-Designated Counties Should Apply For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: June 16, 2004
Release Number: 1520-029
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Individuals in all Indiana counties that were affected by the recent tornadoes and floods, are being urged by federal and state officials to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Even those in counties not currently included in the disaster declaration, are urged to apply and not to prejudge their eligibility for the variety of programs and services offered disaster victims under the June 3rd presidential declaration.
“The decision about which counties to include in the declaration is made based on the amount of damage in a community,” says Justo “Tito” Hernandez, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “We get some sense of which communities have the most damage by the number of calls we get from different areas.” Residents living in communities that are non-designated at this time should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register. Once registered, they are in the system and will be automatically included if the declaration is expanded to include their county.
“There’s no need to be concerned about availability of funds,” stresses Hernandez. “The federal government has allocated sufficient funding to cover grants to all applicants in designated counties who qualify for assistance.”
The various programs and services offered to victims by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration include: assistance to pay for temporary housing, emergency repair or rebuilding, low interest loans, grants to cover unmet needs, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and legal services.
Application for all types of disaster assistance starts with a single call to FEMA’s toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The toll-free application number is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice. Those who are speech or hearing impaired can call to apply toll-free at 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).
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, 16-Jun-2004 17:03:19