If you have comments or would like
to submit an article for the
Spotlight, contact Sara Carter at
scarter@uh.edu
Contents Edited by the
Administration & Finance Customer
Service Center
Federal Disaster Aid
Residents of 29 Texas counties who suffered
damage from Hurricane Ike may be eligible
for federal disaster assistance from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
and the U.S. Small Business Administration
(SBA).
The designated Texas counties
are: Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers,
Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes,
Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson,
Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery,
Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine,
San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler,
Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties.
"Anyone who was affected by the hurricane
could be eligible, but there's no way to
know if they don't register," said Federal
Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman of FEMA.
"Registration is the first step to receive
federal assistance."
Homeowners,
renters, businesses of all sizes and
nonprofit organizations can register online
anytime at www.fema.gov,
or by calling 1.800.621.FEMA (3362), (TTY
1-800-462-7585). These toll-free telephone
numbers will operate 24 hours a day, seven
days a week until further notice.
Assistance to individuals could include
grants to help pay for uninsured temporary
housing needs, essential home repairs and/or
other serious disaster-related expenses,
such as medical and dental expenses or
funeral and burial costs.
Texans
should register with FEMA even if they have
insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance
payments, but under-insured applicants may
receive help after their insurance claims
have been settled.
Registering with
FEMA is required for federal aid, even if
the person has registered with another
disaster relief organization such as the
American Red Cross, local officials or
churches. Registrants with FEMA must use the
name that appears on their Social Security
card. Applicants will be asked to provide:
Social Security number
Address of the damaged home or
apartment
Description of the damage
Information about insurance coverage
A current contact telephone number
An address where you can get mail
Bank account and routing numbers if
they want direct deposit of any
financial assistance
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.
