Release Date: 2005-09-22
Original Link: http://presszoom.com/story_112719.html
Source: FEMA
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Arkansas are taking the first steps to put their lives back together.
(PressZoom.com) - So far close to 11,000 evacuees in Arkansas have registered with FEMA and $15.8 million in individual assistance payments has been approved.
Disaster victims not yet registered are urged to contact FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. Registrations can also be made online at www.fema.gov .
Those already registered who change their location should provide updated information to FEMA by calling the 1-800-621-FEMA number and selecting option #2. They also should file a change of address notice with the United States Postal Service to redirect their mail to their current location. The change of address form is available at any U.S. Post Office, online at www.usps.com or by calling 1-800-275-8777. Those evacuees housed in a shelter should use the shelter address as their current mailing address.
FEMA applicants wanting to check the status of their application can do so online at www.fema.gov or call the 1-800-621-FEMA number and select option #3.
Evacuees with questions on federal programs other than FEMA should call 1-800-FED-INFO (333-4636).
FEMA is working with the State of Arkansas , federal Housing and Urban Development, and the American Red Cross to identify and place evacuees in appropriate housing. Persons needing housing must register with FEMA by calling, toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) TTY 1-800-462-7585.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.