President Bush Declares Fourth Major Disaster For Florida Due To Hurricane Jeanne

Release Date: September 26, 2004 Release Number: HQ-04-209

» Hurricane Jeanne

» Federal Aid Programs For Florida Hurricane 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 ordered the release of all necessary federal disaster aid resources for Florida, lashed for an unprecedented fourth time by a hurricane in last six weeks.

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 in response to Hurricane Jeanne that struck Florida’s east coast early Sunday morning. The declaration covers damage to private property from the storm that began affecting the state on September 24. It follows the major disasters declared for the state on August 13 for Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley, September 4 for Hurricane Frances and September 16 for Hurricane Ivan.

“President Bush remains committed to doing all he can for Floridians in the path of these powerful storms,” Brown said. “The federal family is dedicated to staying for as long as it takes to help them recover from this unprecedented series of devastating hurricanes.”

In addition to the delivery of emergency lifesaving systems and other materials and supplies for meeting basic human needs, Brown said the declaration makes federal funds available for the long-term recovery of hurricane-stricken residents and business owners in the counties of Brevard, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia.

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.

Additionally, Brown said the state and affected local governments in 26 counties are eligible to apply for federal funds to initially pay 100 percent of the approved costs for debris removal and emergency services related to the storm, including requested emergency work undertaken by the federal government, for a period of up to 72 hours.

The 26 counties designated eligible for the assistance include Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia.

Brown said federal funding also will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that aid for residents in other counties and additional forms of assistance for state and local government agencies may be designated later as conditions allow damage to be assessed in the stricken area.

Brown said that those in the counties designated for aid to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process 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 hurricane activity, FEMA’s toll-free teleregistration line received twice as many calls this past month than any previous month in the history of the agency. Additional call centers and registrars have been added, but the volume remains extremely high. Callers are advised that if they get a busy signal, to please be patient and try the call again later.

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. Hurricane victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.

Brown emphasized that assistance will continue to be available for people affected by the previous storms. He said that those in the designated counties who sustained losses as a result of those storms are eligible to apply for assistance again for damage caused by Jeanne.

William L. Carwile, III of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate the federal relief effort.

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.