FEMA Grants Request for Individual Disaster Assistance in Alabama

June 19, 2009 -- MONTGOMERY - After an appeal by Alabama Governor Bob Riley, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster assistance to individuals has been made available to residents of Autauga, Elmore, and Montgomery counties affected by recent flooding.

The announcement is a reversal of FEMA’s original decision denying Alabama’s request for assistance for individuals, and was announced just hours after an appeal was filed by Governor Riley on Friday, June 19.

“We are very pleased that the President and FEMA heard our appeal and have seen fit to provide this needed assistance,” said Governor Riley. “The severity and magnitude of these floods truly warranted help from the federal government, and I’m glad those affected will be able to get some relief.”

The decision follows a second round of damage assessments of the physical loss resulting from the severe storms of May 6 - 8. In a comprehensive, 18-page appeal to President Obama and FEMA administrators, Governor Riley pointed out that the damage merited federal disaster assistance due to the sheer severity of the damage coupled with the limited capacity of state and local agencies, and faith-based groups to fully meet the needs of affected residents.

Residents who suffered damages should register immediately with FEMA, even if they have registered with other agencies. To register, residents may go online to www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 during the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time.

Those who have already registered with FEMA for assistance should call the toll-free registration number and select the “Helpline” option to confirm their registration and to request an inspection of their damages.

Public assistance -- aid to municipalities, schools, and certain nonprofits - was authorized for Autauga, Bullock, Elmore, and Montgomery counties in a federal disaster declaration dated June 3.

Source: Alabama Governor