Officials from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety’s (CCPS-DEM) Division of Emergency Management remind residents that if they have applied for disaster assistance for Tropical Storm Frances and have suffered new damages from Hurricane Ivan, they must apply a second time for assistance for the second round of damage.

“If you suffered damage from either storm, or both storms, call FEMA’s toll-free registration number to begin the application process,” said Justin DeMello, federal coordinating officer. “If you have already applied for disaster assistance from damages suffered from Tropical Storm Frances, you must apply again for disaster assistance from damages sustained from Hurricane Ivan.”

To access FEMA programs, victims should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For speech and hearing impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Both toll-free numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Callers are advised that if they get a busy signal, to be patient and try the call again later. Non-peak hours are currently midnight to 4:30 a.m. Keep in mind that this number is being used by victims from other disasters around the country as well.

When you call to apply, please identify which storm affected you, or both. Be aware that each disaster application prompts an inspection. Several homeowners in Black Mountain denied access to inspectors who attempted to inspect their homes because of damage a second time. One homeowner was reacting to reports of fraudulent schemes in the state. If applicants are in doubt that an inspector is from FEMA, ask the inspector for the registration number of their application. Only true FEMA inspectors will have that information. The FEMA inspector will have a FEMA photo ID badge. Registrants should use caution when giving out any information from their application including ID numbers to unknown persons.

“Just as you need to call your insurance company to initiate another claim if you had damages from both storms, a second application for disaster assistance is necessary, along with another inspection to survey damages from the second storm,” said Dr.Kenneth Taylor, state coordinating officer.