Call 2-1-1 for Disaster Assistance Needs
OLYMPIA— Officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) are reminding people affected by the January 6-16, 2009, severe winter storm, landslides, mudslides and flooding that the deadline to register for disaster assistance is March 31st. The number to call is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. To register online go to www.disasterassistance.gov.
Residents who have unmet needs, not covered by their insurance or disaster assistance, are urged to call 2-1-1, a comprehensive community referral service operated by the Washington Information Network 2-1-1 (WIN 211). With the motto, “Get Connected. Get Answers,” this service has an extensive database of resources and services for Washington residents. 2-1-1 is a simple-to-remember number that provides easy access to a variety of essential services and is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Information is also available online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at www.win211.org. There is also a toll free number 1-877-211-WASH (9274) that can be called from anywhere in the United States, Monday-Friday 8 a.m-6 p.m.
Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn said, “Residents of the designated counties are strongly urged to call 1-800-621-FEMA to register by March 31 for disaster assistance. If damage becomes evident later, you may still be covered. If you still have needs not covered by your insurance or disaster assistance, you still may be able to get other types of assistance if you call 2-1-1.”
WIN211 is part of a nationwide effort to develop an integrated 2-1-1 system. WIN211’s database contains over 6000 health and human service providers, representing over 10,000 sites and more than 18,000 local services throughout the state. It not only provides easy access to a comprehensive information and referral system, it also tracks community needs, giving policy makers information about resource allocations in their communities.
State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin said, “2-1-1 is an important resource in our state, helping hundreds of people every day. We urge people who have unmet needs to use this valuable community resource.”Residents of the following 15 designated counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance until
Disaster Assistance Deadline March 31; Call 211 for Other Assistance Needs
March 31: Benton, Cowlitz, Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom. The number to call for disaster assistance is 1-800-621-FEMA. For all other needs, call 2-1-1.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
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.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. Homeowners, renters and business owners with questions for the SBA should call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 1-800-877-8339).
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