Toll-Free Application Number Available For Those Affected By Severe Storms And Flooding 

Release Date: July 14, 2003
Release Number: 1476-02

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

Indianapolis, IN -- A toll-free application telephone number is now operational for those who suffered property damage or loss in the declared counties affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding of July 4 and continuing. Even if residents have already registered with a local voluntary agency, they need to call the FEMA teleregistration number to be eligible for disaster assistance programs.

Thomas J. Costello, federal coordinating officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Patrick R. Ralston, state coordinating officer, Indiana State Emergency Management (SEMA), said those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance immediately by calling this toll-free application number, 1- 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, until further notice.

In response to a request from Governor Frank O'Bannon on July 8, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration July 11. The declaration designated the following counties eligible for federal aid to help meet the recovery needs of stricken residents and business owners: Adams, Allen, Benton, Blackford, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Delaware, Fountain, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Howard, Huntington, Jasper, Jay, Kosciusko, Madison, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Noble, Pulaski, Randolph, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Wabash, Warren, Wayne, Wells, White and Whitley.

The declaration makes residents of these counties eligible for a wide range of programs such as funding for temporary disaster housing assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, replacement grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs, and disaster unemployment assistance.

"At this time, people need to take care of their safety concerns and housing needs," Costello said. "Then when they have assessed their damage, they should call the application line at 1-800-621-FEMA."

Residents and business owners who suffered damage or loss and have insurance coverage should first contact their insurance company. If they find they have unmet needs they should apply for disaster assistance.

"Your phone call is your application for disaster assistance available under the disaster declaration. Telephone application has proven to be the simplest, quickest and most efficient way to apply," Ralston said.

Before you call to apply, it is helpful to have the following information ready:

"Don't prejudge your eligibility; even if you don't have all the information necessary or it was lost in the flooding. We want residents to call the toll-free teleregistration number to get the assistance they are entitled to," Ralston said.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION

When disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administers a number of disaster assistance programs and coordinates the efforts of many other federal agencies that provide services to help people through the recovery process. The types of assistance that are available include:

Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

INDIVIDUALS and HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM: Housing assistance to individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. Types of aid include grants for temporary rental housing; essential repairs needed to make a residence safe, secure and sanitary; and, to meet serious disaster-related needs and expenses not covered by insurance or other programs, such as medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation and other FEMA-approved expenses.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE: Weekly benefits to those individuals out of work due to the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm owners and others not usually covered under regular unemployment insurance.

U.S. Small Business Administration Programs

HOME/PERSONAL PROPERTY DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing underinsured or uninsured disaster-damaged real and personal property. (Available in declared counties.)

BUSINESS DISASTER LOANS: Disaster loans to repair or replace destroyed or damaged business facilities, inventory, machinery, equipment, etc. not covered by insurance. (Available to large and small businesses in declared counties.) Loans also may be available only to small businesses for working capital to assist them during the disaster recovery period. (Available in declared and contiguous counties.)

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Jul-2003 13:17:02