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FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency: Is an agency of the United States Government that deals with emeregency preparedness, disaster response & recovery planning.
An individual, family or business can be eligible for federal aid if they live, own a business, or work in a county that is declared a Major Disaster Area, or if they have incurred sufficient property damage/loss, and also depending upon the type of assistance they request, do not have insurance or resources that meet their needs.
The information below has been summarized from the FEMA website, and for more information, I suggest you visit the site.
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To apply for Assistance
For individuals and households, call this special toll free telephone number:
1-800-621-FEMA
(TTY: 1-800-462-7585) and register |
This program, which may include cash grants of up to $26,200 per individual or household, includes:
Housing Assistance: Lodging expenses reimbursement (for a hotel or motel), Rental assistance (cash payment for a temporary rental unit or a manufactured home), Home repair cash grant, Home replacement cash grant, Permanent housing construction in rare circumstances. Other Needs Assistance: Medical, dental, funeral costs, Transportation costs.
What you can do if you are having difficulty reaching the above number:
If you have immediate emergency needs for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care contact one of the local offices of the American Red Cross. You can visit a local office or call their toll-free number at
1-866-438-4636.
Understand that the Red Cross may be experiencing similar problems in answering all their calls as well.
Waiting for Aid
If damages are not severe and you are able to start cleanup, consider waiting a few days before you call FEMA. This way telephone lines will remain open, and persons with more urgent problems will get through. FEMA and other government agencies assure that they will be providing disaster aid in the your area as long as it takes to meet the needs of everyone.
Don't delay cleanup until an inspector can see the damaged property. FEMA suggests taking pictures and saving receipts in the event that there is a question about damages later.
Collect all information needed to apply for aid
Your application for aid can be taken quickly and completely if you have the following information collected and ready when you call FEMA.
Street address of the damaged property
Your current mailing address and telephone number where you can be reached
Your Social Security Number
The household approximate gross income at the time of the disaster (if you are reporting business damages, the gross income of the business)
The type of insurance coverage you have, particularly flood insurance
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