Property Damage

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA is a government agency that exists to provide aid to Americans who have suffered through tragedies and natural disasters. Their mission statement is 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, by leading and supporting the Nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation."

FEMA work force

FEMA employs over 2,500 people on a full time basis to carry out the mission of the organization. They also have almost 4,000 additional people who are available on a standby basis following a large disaster. The organization is headquartered in Washington DC, but also has offices all over the nation.

FEMA services

FEMA offers assistance to those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed by natural disasters, such as a hurricane. They also provide aid to businesses, farmers and even other government agencies. This help comes in many forms, including:

• Loans for small businesses. The money from these loans is to be used replace or repair equipment and property. Businesses can receive long term loans with very low interest rates.
• Housing benefits. Disaster victims may be eligible to receive money for temporary housing rentals, purchasing a new house for those who have lost their homes or for constructing a new home if other housing options are not available in the area.
• Disaster unemployment assistance. This is a special fund that offers money, unemployment benefits and assistance with obtaining new employment to people who have lost their jobs.
• Other needs assistance. This program provides monetary assistance to disaster victims for a variety of needs, such as clothing, transportation, medical bills and funeral costs.

FEMA requirements

In order to receive help from FEMA, you must meet their requirements. You will only be eligible for assistance if:

• You reside in an area that the President has declared to be a disaster zone.
• Any insurance claims you have filed have not provided sufficient compensation for your losses.
• At least one individual who was living in a home that was damaged is a United States citizen.
• The home that was damaged can not currently be lived in.
• You do not have other sufficient living arrangements.

Contacting FEMA

Individuals who have suffered losses following a hurricane can contact FEMA at (800) 621-FEMA (3362), or by using the TTY number, (800) 462-7585.

People who have had property destroyed and lost their homes due to a tragedy that the President has declared to be a national disaster should contact FEMA immediately to register for aid. Find out more about FEMA at their website, www.fema.gov.