FEMA Web Site And Registration Lines Open For Californians To Apply For Disaster Aid

(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 24, 2007 ) WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated its online registration site and call centers to take applications from Californians who suffered damages and losses in connection with the wildfires in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. President Bush’s disaster declaration for California has opened the way for eligible fire victims to receive funds for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Residents who were displaced or sustained damage because of the ongoing wildfires can apply for assistance by going online at www.fema.gov and clicking on “Apply for Assistance” or calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Telephone lines are open and internet registration is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Internet registration is easier and faster for those with access to the Web.Disaster assistance for individuals and households is provided through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP), which includes temporary housing assistance for a place to live while homes are being repaired or replaced and funds for homeowners to repair damage to their primary residence to make the home safe, sanitary and functional. Under this program, funds also are available for other disaster-related needs such as medical and dental costs, clothing and household items and moving and storage expenses.Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures.When registering for FEMA assistance, residents should have the following information available: Social Security number (and that of your spouse); private insurance, if applicable, address and zip code of the damaged property; directions to the damaged home or property and a daytime telephone number.FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. ###No.: HQ 07-214Contact: FEMA Public Affairs202-646-4600

Joseph Nchor

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