Today, Mayor Shirley Franklin encouraged Atlanta residents and business owners who sustained damages during Hurricane Ivan to call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to apply for assistance. Fulton and DeKalb Counties are part of the 14 county area, which has been declared a Major Disaster area, and enabled residents and businesses to receive aid.
The aid, which is being coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to pay for temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the US Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Residents and businesses can begin the FEMA disaster application process by calling 1.800.621-3362 or 1.800.462.7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week until further notice. You may also get information at the FEMA website, www.fema.gov
The Mayor's Office of Constituent Services will continue to serve as a clearinghouse for storm victims, and can assist residents with the FEMA application process. Constituent Services can be reached by calling 404.330.6023. Click here to view help after a dister.
The FEMA Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals
1. Call to Apply for Assistance 1.800.621.FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1.800.462.7585.
· For use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas.
· Be prepared to give your Social Security number, describe your losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.
2. The information you provide is put into the computer
· You are now in the system
· The recovery process begins
Call FEMA if you have Questions 1.800.621.FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1.800.462.7585.
· Refer to the application number the registrars gave you when you applied.
3. Making an optional visit to a Disaster Recovery Center to receive more information after you have registered by phone
· Here you will find local, state, federal, and voluntary agencies that may be able to assist you
4. Inspector will call to schedule an appointment.
· There is NO FEE for the inspection
· Inspectors will set up an appointment to visit your property within a few days of application
· Inspectors are contractors; they are not FEMA employees, but they will have FEMA ID
6. Inspector will visit damaged property.
· Be present for your scheduled appointment
· They will inspect the damage, verify ownership and occupancy, and make a report. Inspectors do not determine eligibility
· If eligible, you will receive a housing assistance check within 7-10 days
7. If eligible, housing assistance check will arrive.
· Money may be spent for housing needs
8. Packet will arrive in mail.
· There may be an SBA application enclosed
· You MUST fill out and return this to be eligible for any further assistance
· Refer to SBA home page for more information. (www.sba.gov/disaster/)
9. To reduce future loss, consider taking steps to rebuild safer and smarter.
· Take measures to reduce losses in the future
· Encourage community to participate in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
· Consider buying flood insurance
Call the FEMA Fraud Hotline if you suspect someone is filing false damage claims
· 1.800.323.8603
· Make sure disaster aid goes to those who deserve it
· It is a violation of Federal law to file a false claim
More information is available at the FEMA website, www.fema.gov