Hurricane Gustav Victims Can Get Help With Many Disaster Expenses
Release Date: October 28, 2008
Release Number: 1794-032
ยป More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Gustav
LONG BEACH, Miss. -- Mississippians, who suffered damages or losses from Hurricane Gustav and who are not eligible for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), may be referred to FEMA's Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program to help with disaster-related expenses. These funds help residents of Adams, Hancock, Harrison, Washington and Wilkinson counties with disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other federal programs.
Some of the expenses that may qualify for disaster aid are:
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Medical and dental costs;
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Funeral expenses;
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Repair or replacement of personal property such as clothing, room furnishings, appliances, and necessary educational materials like computers, school books, and supplies;
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Repair or replacement of specialized tools, protective clothing and equipment required for work;
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Repairing or replacing vehicles damaged by the disaster, or for other transportation costs; and
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Moving and storage expenses.
FEMA and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency have approved more than $768,000 for this type of aid under FEMA's ONA program.
Officials are urging homeowners, renters and businesses who received SBA disaster loan applications to complete and return them before the November 25 deadline. Anyone needing assistance or having questions about the SBA loan applications can call the SBA Customer Service at 1-800-659-2955. Homeowners and renters who are not approved for an SBA disaster loan are referred back to FEMA for any possible grant assistance.
Homeowners, renters, and business owners, who have storm losses from Hurricane Gustav, have until Nov. 25, 2008, to apply for assistance. To apply, simply call, toll-free, FEMA's registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Individuals with hearing- or speech-impairments should call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The lines are available 24 hours, everyday. Applicants also can register online at
www.fema.gov
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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.
