Registration with FEMA first step in recovery aid

Registration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency beginning Aug. 21 until Aug. 23 is the necessary first step in recovery for those persons on Saipan, Tinian and Rota who sustained damage from Supertyphoon Chaba, according to a statement from the agency.

Federal Coordination Officer William Lokey emphasized that “federal help can be received only after eligible persons with damage on the three islands [Saipan, Tinian, and Rota] have made the call to FEMA on the teleregistration line.”

Persons who suffered uninsured damage from the disasters should call the toll-free teleregistration number 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362). Persons with hearing or speech impairments should call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Registered applicants can use those same numbers with questions regarding the status of their requests. The toll free numbers will be available for registrants from 7am to 8pm, seven days a week until further notice.

“It is crucial that those with disaster-related damage register through the teleregistration number promptly so the CNMI can work with FEMA to help families and businesses get back on their feet,” said Governor’s Authorized Representative Vicky Villagomez. “Even though they have insurance, they could be eligible for assistance for some of the damage not covered by insurance.”

FEMA officials reminded applicants that before making the registration call, they should have available pen and paper to record information, a list of all occupants, a list of damage, address of the damaged property and where mail can be received, Social Security number, estimated gross household income, any insurance information and a telephone number where they can be contacted by an inspector. Interviews will take approximately 20-30 minutes. The applicants should make specific and detailed notes and photographs of the damage. Records should be kept of any out-of-pocket expenses made relative to disaster damage.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s low-interest loans are the primary source of disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Individuals registering for disaster assistance with FEMA who are referred to SBA must pick up their SBA application at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers that will open on Saipan, Tinian and Rota within the next week.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

FEMA said that its continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.