FEMA SURPRISED BY LOW NUMBER OF CALLS

Federal Emergency Management Agency community relations teams say they are just a phone call away from turning a disaster into a less stressful situation.

Problem is, not many flood victims are reaching out and touching FEMA.

"We're really surprised at the low number of calls we've had since the hotline number was given out," FEMA spokesman Lloyd Barningham said. In fact, only 655 Missourians have called to register for disaster assistance.

The community relations workers estimate there may be as many as 130 residents in the Cape Girardeau County area who could be eligible for assistance.

"When you stop and think that there are 24 counties that are eligible for individual assistance, 655 is not very many people," FEMA spokesman Frank Haley said.

Disaster victims should call the registration phone number at 1-800-462-9029. For speech and hearing-impaired people, the number is 1-800-462-7585. The lines will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Haley said after going door-to-door and finding no one home, he has adopted a theme he hopes will catch on. "Our motto is give FEMA a chance to say yes," Haley said. "There are probably people out there who are enduring the hardship of cramped quarters and don't even realize we can help them find temporary housing for up to two to three months."

Barningham said flood victims who have already begun repairing their homes may still be eligible for state and federal assistance. "The important thing is to save receipts and to make the call as soon as possible to find out where you stand," he said.

The entire registration process takes about 20 minutes. "You can do it in the privacy of your home," Haley said.

FEMA officials said that after the application is made over the phone, a case worker will arrive in about seven days to complete the process.

"A lot of people probably feel like they don't qualify for assistance, but a case worker will be able to tell in a short period of time," Haley said. "If you don't make the effort to call us, we can't do anything for you."

Housing assistance may be provided to individuals and families whose permanent residences have been made unlivable from the disaster. Assistance may be in the form of funds to obtain rental housing or to make emergency essential repairs to make the residence habitable. Those who rent may also be eligible for assistance.

Grants of up to $12,600 may be available to meet disaster-related needs or necessary expenses not covered by other disaster assistance programs or insurance. The state administers the grant program.

Disaster unemployment assistance is also available. This form of assistance provides weekly benefit payments to those out of work due to the disaster including self-employed people, farm and ranch owners and others not covered under regular unemployment insurance programs. Contact the Missouri Division of Employment Security at 1-800-788-4002.

Crisis counseling is available for mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster. Contact the Missouri Department of Mental Health at 1-800-634-4640.