Begin Your Federal Recovery Process Now

If you live in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach and had damages as a result of Hurricane Mathew, take action now towards your recovery by registering with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. You can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA Mobile App, or by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA).

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

When you register for FEMA assistance a FEMA representative will ask you to provide information on disaster damage, proof of identity and residence, insurance and other documentation, to determine eligibility.

For those who do not have access to telephone or internet service, don’t be discouraged.  Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and FEMA are coming to you.  FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will soon be moving into affected communities to help people register for assistance.  Additionally, Commonwealth and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will soon be open in the near future in the affected localities.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

For more information visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4291.

                                                            ###

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.