HELPLINE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEED INFORMATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
FEMA/VDEM News Desk -- (804) 217-8952
Colleen M. Hiam, SBA -- (716) 282-4612 ext. 202

HELPLINE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEED INFORMATION

RICHMOND, VA -- – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Helpline is open to those who need information on the status of their application or those who may have other disaster assistance questions.

All it takes to get disaster information is a toll-free call to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. The Helpline number is the same number used to register for disaster assistance, and it is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

"The need for accurate and immediate information about federal and state disaster assistance is vital to every person who suffered losses as a result of the hurricane," said Federal Coordinating Officer David Fukutomi. "The Helpline is also a great resource to use for checking on the status of your application."

Personnel who work the Helpline are trained and courteous specialists who will give you the information you need without delay. It's an important resource for all applicants and can provide many services, including:

• Updating applicant information, including changes in income, telephone number and address;
• Providing information about the Disaster Recovery Centers within the disaster-declared counties;
• Checking the status of your application; and
• Referring special needs to other recovery agencies.

"Helpline operators not only answer questions regarding your application, they also may refer callers to other agencies or organizations for assistance," added State Coordinating Officer Michael Cline.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or economic status. Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against should contact the federal or state coordinating officer.