Disaster Assistance Still Available with FEMA’s Help Line 

Release Date: May 11, 2012
Release Number: 4059-066

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Even though there are no longer any state and federal Disaster Recovery Centers open in West Virginia, the FEMA Help Line is still in business. Counties whose residents might be eligible for assistance are Lincoln, Logan, Harrison, Marion, Mingo, Preston, Taylor and Wayne.

For those disaster survivors who have already registered for federal assistance, the Help Line is the place to follow the progress of your case, get answers to questions and help in navigating the assistance process. Just call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

The operators can register those with disaster related damages. You can also sign up online at DisasterAssistance.gov. For TTY users, the number is 800-462-7585. With a Web-enabled smart phone or other PDA, log onto m.fema.gov.

“We are ready to help anyone who qualifies,” said Charleston-based FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “Assistance is not dependent on your income or ability to pay. We can provide assistance to whoever is eligible.”

The Help Line has operators who speak a wide spectrum of languages. An applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen to register as long as he or she is in the country legally.

Those affected by the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 have until May 15 to register with FEMA for assistance. For those who suffered loss or damage from the flooding of March 15 through March 31, the deadline to register is May 21.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Friday, 11-May-2012 10:55:44