Community Relations Teams Visiting Barnes County
Release Date: April 17, 2009
Release Number: 1829-025
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Bismarck, N.D. - Community Relations field officers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are working with local community leaders to reach out to Barnes County residents affected by the Sheyenne River flooding. The Community Relations teams are providing information about available disaster assistance programs, including grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, minor home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses.
"We rely on our Community Relations staff not only to get the word out but also to find out first hand the problems individuals in those communities are facing," said Federal Coordinating Office Justo "Tito" Hernandez.
Team members are meeting with representatives of community-based agencies, community leaders and public officials. When field staff identify unmet needs, information will be communicated to the state or federal staff best able to respond. The Community Relations teams also seek out special needs populations that may need additional assistance in learning about disaster assistance programs.
Team members will also be reminding people that the only way to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is to call the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov . For people who are speech or hearing impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Both phone lines are open from 6:00 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Apr-2009 12:15:34