PEMA, FEMA Report Disaster Aid Tops $3.4 Million

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced disaster assistance approved for residents of Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties affected by the heavy rain and floods that occurred Apr. 2-3, 2005, has topped $3.4 million.

Housing Assistance for homeowners and renters totals $2.95 million. Housing Assistance may include lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. Other Needs Assistance reached $461,222. Other Needs Assistance may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs; and other eligible expenses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved $560,100 in low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.

The number of individuals who registered for assistance was 2,549. A total of 1,421 applications were approved. Another 1,334 sought information from mitigation specialists at Home Improvement stores on how to lessen damage to their home, business or property in event of a future flood.

Residents of the disaster-designated counties have less than 20 days left to apply for assistance. The deadline is Jun. 13, 2005.

Individuals can register for assistance by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech- impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Applications can also be made at www.fema.gov/about/process. Applicants should be prepared to give their contact information and Social Security number, as well as provide insurance and financial information when they log on or call to register.