UNIVERSITY CITY, MO. (November 13, 2008) The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Missouri, including St. Louis County and University City, to help people recover from the areas struck by severe storms, flooding, and a tornado during the period of September 11-24, 2008. FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush.
With this designation, all victims of the disaster should contact FEMA as soon as possible. To receive any assistance from FEMA, individuals affected by the flood, must apply with FEMA over the phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.FEMA.gov. within 60 days. Whether applying online or over the phone, you should have a pen and paper ready and have the following information ready:
* Your social security number* Current and pre-disaster address* A telephone number where you can be reached* Insurance information* Total household income* A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred to your bank)* A description of your losses
Computer access is available at the University City Library (6701 Delmar Blvd) or for individuals needing assistance with the Internet, Centennial Commons (7210 Olive Blvd) will have computers and staff support available Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 PM to 4 PM, Monday, Nov. 17 from 6 PM to 9 PM or Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 1 PM to 4 PM.
FEMA will be setting up a regional disaster recovery center at Centennial Commons in the coming week to assist flood victims in processing their paperwork and answering questions about available assistance. Ideally, victims should get registered as quickly as possible and the FEMA representatives will come to your home for individual assessments.
The City is also hosting a resource fair at Heman Park Community Center at 975 Pennsylvania on December 13, 2008 at 9 to 12 PM. MSD and the US Army Corp of Engineers will be present to answer questions. United Way 2-1-1, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and the Missouri Department of Insurance will also be on hand to assist residents. |
