FEMA Goes Door to Door

By: Tregg White

Updated: Tue 5:36 PM, Jun 01, 2004

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials say there's still a lot of people who don't know what assistance is available to them, so FEMA came to them, going door to door in communities devastated by last month's tornados'.

FEMA spokeswoman Patricia Brach says, "Call 1-800-621-FEMA, it's the only way to get into the system."

Once a person is registered they'll find several sources for help, including volunteer assistance to state and federal help.

This is how the FEMA disaster assistance works. First, call 1-800-621-FEMA. Once your registered, you'll be asked general information about income, insurance and damage to your residence and housing needs. A few days a FEMA inspector will make a visit and inspect the home. After that if you qualify you'll receive a check in the mail explaining how you may use the check for such things as rental assistance, repairs, sanitary to make the primary rooms habitable.

There's other programs available like the "Small Business Administration" loan. FEMA officials say anyone with tornado damage should call and register with FEMA just in case. Officials say many times people think their insurance covers more than it does and when disaster strikes they find out the insurance won't cover everything.

To call FEMA the number is: 1-800-621-FEMA

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