Washington, October 29, 2007 - Below find today's press release from the Department of Homeland Security:

As the embers from the recent firestorms cool, people affected are starting to look ahead. The first step to recovery is a simple phone call: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For the speech or hearing impaired, the number is 1-800-462-7585.

These numbers will connect the caller with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) telephone registration hotline. Operators are available 24/7 to register the applicant for assistance. Those with Internet access can apply online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA registration starts the government disaster application process. People who have registered with the American Red Cross or other helping agencies must also register with FEMA if they want access to federal and state aid.

Personnel fluent in all languages are available to help non-English speaking callers complete the application process.

“Anyone who has been affected by the fires could be eligible, but there's no way to know if they don’t register,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA. “That’s the first step to receive assistance."

Disaster assistance can include grants for short-term rental needs; grants for homeowners to make minimal home repairs; U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans to repair major damage or replace damaged personal property to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits; and grants from FEMA and the State of California to meet serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance and other programs.

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 contact telephone number
• An address where you can get mail
• (Optional) bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of any financial assistance.

Eligible applicants may be referred to the State for additional assistance.

“Fortunately, California can assist those who have needs after receiving the maximum grant from FEMA’s Individual and Households Program with grants of up to $10,000 through the State Supplemental Grant Program,” said State Coordinator Officer Henry Renteria of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. “There’s no separate application process.”

FEMA will move quickly on each application. A FEMA inspector will call to make an appointment if the home was damaged. The inspections take place within three to five days. On arrival the inspector will show FEMA identification, then review and record the damage to the structure and contents, any vehicles, and other disaster-related expenses such as medical, dental and funeral expenses.

Homeowners and renters with insurance may receive a FEMA letter saying they are denied because of “INS” or “IINS.” That means that FEMA requires more information on the insurance settlement before a final decision can be made.

By law, FEMA and the State cannot duplicate what insurance already covers, or pay any deductibles.

Insured applicants should reconnect with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) after their insurance claim is settled. If settlement is not imminent, they can ask their insurance agent to provide a “delay of settlement” letter. That information, along with any new or important information that may have surfaced since they first registered, should be mailed to the address provided in the FEMA letter.

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.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) coordinates overall state-agency response to major emergencies in support of local government. OES is also responsible for maintaining the State Emergency Plan and coordinating the state’s preparedness, mitigation and recovery efforts.

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