Weekly Wrap Up: Hurricane Isaac Recovery in Mississippi

CLINTON, Miss. – The following are Hurricane Isaac recovery news items from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the previous week.

• FEMA is sending out determination letters to those who registered telling them the status of their application. Those who don’t understand the letter or disagree with FEMA’s decision should visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline (800-621-FEMA) to get more information and assistance with questions.
• FEMA inspectors are currently visiting the residences of disaster applicants in Mississippi to assess damages related to Hurricane Isaac. Applicants can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents, such as identification and proof of ownership or occupancy.
• Public buildings and infrastructure are now eligible for reimbursement in Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Newton, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Wayne and Wilkinson counties for 75 percent of the cost to repair road systems and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities, parks, recreational and other key public facilities.
• Disaster recovery centers are open in Adams, Clarke, Forrest, George, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Lincoln, Marion, Pearl River, Pike, Stone, Walthall and Wilkinson counties.
• Community relations specialists from MEMA and FEMA are going door to door in 17 designated counties to provide information about how to register for federal and state disaster assistance.

People with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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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.