Vital Helplines for Disaster Victims

Vital Helplines for Disaster Victims

DES MOINES, Iowa –Individual help from recovery specialists is just a telephone call away for Iowa disaster victims. Three agencies are staffing toll free numbers to provide disaster assistance information and support:

• The toll free number for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Helpline is
800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. FEMA Helpline hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

• The state of Iowa administers a Helpline for those who need assistance with disaster-related personal property losses; medical, dental, funeral or transportation expenses or other needs. The toll free number is 866-434-4692. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but a message may be left at any time and the call will be returned.

• Disaster loan specialists from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions and help people complete their disaster loan applications from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is
800-659-2955.

“These helplines are another way FEMA, the Rebuild Iowa Office and SBA are reaching out to Iowa disaster victims to support their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel of FEMA. “Among other things, people can use the FEMA line to find out about additional FEMA assistance for which they could be eligible or learn how to appeal if they receive a letter stating they are ineligible. It’s also very important to keep us informed of any changes in phone numbers or addresses.”

State Coordinating Officer Pat Hall of Iowa’s Homeland Security Emergency Management Division
said, “No one should be concerned that they have missed the opportunity to receive personal attention. These Helplines enable people to discuss their situations and obtain all the assistance for which they are eligible.”

Federal and state assistance may be available to anyone in 74 Iowa counties who has underinsured or uninsured losses as a result of the disastrous weather conditions in the state May 25 through Aug. 13. Federal and state officials continue to urge everyone who may be eligible and who has not already done so to register for assistance. Register online at www.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The deadline to register for disaster assistance is September 29.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you known has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY Call 800-462-7585.
Editors: More information about the Iowa disaster is available online at www.fema.gov or www.Iowahomelandsecurity.org.