President Authorizes Disaster Aid For Virginia Storms

Release Date: October 18, 2004 Release Number: HQ-04-229

» More Information on Virginia Severe Storms and Flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne

» Federal Aid Programs For Virginia Disaster Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that President Bush has authorized the use of federal disaster funds for Virginia to help families and businesses recover from the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne.

Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action under a major disaster declaration issued following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal relief. The declaration covers damage to private property from severe storms and flooding beginning on September 27.

After the declaration, Brown designated the following jurisdictions eligible for federal aid to stricken residents and business owners: the independent cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Alleghany, Craig, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Patrick and Roanoke.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

In addition, Brown said federal funds will be provided for the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that damage surveys are continuing and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated later based on the results of the assessments.

Marianne Jackson of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate federal recovery operations. Jackson said that affected residents and business owners in the designated jurisdictions can begin the disaster application process by registering online at http://www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

As a result of the intense disaster activity in the past weeks, FEMA’s toll-free teleregistration line is receiving an extremely high call volume. Additional call centers and registrars have been added and callers are advised that if they get a busy signal, to try the call again later, or after 6 p.m. Individuals can also register online as well as find valuable recovery information on the agency’s Web site at http://www.fema.gov

FEMA is asking the public’s assistance in managing call volume to support the agency’s effort to prioritize help to those with the greatest need. Owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. Affected residents and business owners with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling or registering online to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.

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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.