Disaster Survivors In Mississippi Should Register With Fema

ATLANTA —Disaster survivors in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Pearl River counties affected by Hurricane Isaac should apply now for federal assistance.

Registration is available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Operators speak many languages. Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s individual assistance program helps eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners and renters may qualify for Individual Assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, they must apply for assistance. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The toll-free FEMA registration numbers are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.

Survivors also can apply for federal assistance directly through Web-enabled mobile phone devices or smartphones. Registration through the mobile site takes three steps:                    

1. Go to m.fema.gov and click “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.” You will be directed to www.DisasterAssistance.gov
2. Click on Start Registration
3. Fill out the registration form

FEMA will ask for the following information:

• The telephone number where applicants can be reached
• The address where applicants lived at the time of the disaster and the address where they are staying
• Their Social Security number
• A general description of damage to property and other losses
• The name of the insurance company and policy number or agent if the property is insured
• Bank account routing information for direct deposit of funds.

People whose property suffered any storm damage are encouraged to document damages with photographs and to save repair receipts. Damage also should be reported to the insurance company.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all of Mississippi.

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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.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.