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

Release Date: May 23, 2002
Release Number: 1416-02

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

Washington, DC -- A toll-free application telephone number is now operational for those who suffered property damage or loss in the declared counties affected by the recent series of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck the southern end of the state beginning April 21, 2002. Even if resident have already registered with the Red Cross, Salvation Army or another voluntary agency or have reported
damage to local officials, they need to apply for the state and federal assistance now available by calling FEMA's toll-free number.

Robert R. Colangelo, federal coordinating officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA and Mike Chamness, state coordinating officer, Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), said those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance immediately by calling this toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Those with speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 1 800 462-7585.

In response to a request from Governor George Ryan, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration On May 21. The declaration designated 30 counties eligible for federal aid to help meet the recovery
needs of stricken residents and business owners.

The counties are: Alexander, Clay, Clinton, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, St. Clair, Saline, Union, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson.

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

Residents and business owners that 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 state and federal assistance available under the disaster declaration. Telephone application has proven to be the simplest, quickest and most efficient way to apply," Colangelo said.

When calling to apply have the following information available:

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.

According to Chamness, individuals who have suffered damage and have unmet needs are encouraged to call the application number immediately. "Even if you don't have all the information necessary or it was lost in the storms, don't prejudge your eligibility," he said. "It's important that all residents get the assistance they are entitled to."

If you suffered damages from the recent storms and live in a county that has not been declared, state officials urge individuals and business owners to report their damages to their respective County Emergency Management Office.

Also included in the Presidential disaster declaration is federal funding for the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. Damage surveys are continuing and more counties and additional forms of aid may be designated later based on the results of the assessments.

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 follow.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs
DISASTER HOUSING ASSISTANCE: Housing assistance to individuals and families whose permanent homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Types of aid include grants for: alternate rental housing; emergency repairs needed to make a residence habitable; and, mortgage or rental assistance in cases where the disaster has caused extreme economic hardship.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY GRANT PROGRAM: Grants to individuals and families to meet serious disaster-related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other federal, state or voluntary agency disaster assistance programs.

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: Tuesday, 19-Aug-2003 16:31:08