FEMA Helps Disaster Applicants Help Themselves
Release Date: June 18, 2004
Release Number: 1519-013
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Flooded homeowners and renters are taking an active role in their own recovery, says Federal Coordinating Officer Brad Gair, appointed to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance programs in Ohio. "Ohioans who had flood damage from recent storms are doing what they need to do before requesting federal assistance. We want to make sure that those in need receive all the assistance available to them, and we need their help to accomplish this task," Gair said.
That means those who suffered damage in the flooding that began May 18 are doing many things themselves - such as cleaning and sanitizing their homes after the floodwaters receded and inventorying damages - before calling for financial assistance. Federal aid is for those individuals with uninsured, disaster-related damages and needs who are unable to recover on their own.
"The eligible applicants in this disaster experienced mostly flooded basements, were uninsured, and suffered damages to appliances and basement utilities," said Dale W. Shipley, state coordinating officer and executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA). "Ohioans in federally declared counties must call the FEMA registration number, 1-800-621-(FEMA), to continue the recovery process." The number is (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. Damaged personal items such as clothing; motor vehicles, furnaces, water heaters, washers and dryers, freezers and other essential home furnishings are qualifying for assistance.
Renters should file for federal assistance if they need housing assistance or if they lost essential personal property in the flooding. Most renters who had minor flooding in the basement but no damage to their own property would not qualify for federal assistance.
To help cover future losses, homeowners and renters can buy flood insurance. There are two types of flood insurance policies, one that covers the building itself and another that covers the building's contents. It is important for homeowners to purchase both types of coverage for maximum protection. Renters can buy flood insurance to cover their personal belongings.
"If we can keep our applicants on the right track, grants and loans will be expedited and federal assistance will reach those in need much more quickly," said Gair. "And for those who buy flood insurance, the recovery after the next flood will also be much quicker. Insurance covers far more than disaster assistance does."
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland strategies and priorities.
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: Friday, 18-Jun-2004 13:51:30