September 21, 2004

Charlotte, NC - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has included Mecklenburg County in a disaster declaration for Hurricane Frances. This declaration qualifies residents who have suffered losses due to Frances for individual assistance.

Several dozen homes along the Catawba River sustained flood damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Frances. Also, several homes in southwestern Mecklenburg County were damaged by high winds as the hurricane’s remnants passed through. Staff members from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management, N.C. Division of Emergency Management and FEMA have been conducting damage assessments and distributing information to residents about applying for assistance.

Anyone who has not received information and would like to apply for assistance should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call  (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Residents can also learn more about the application process at the Web site www.fema.gov.

Callers should be prepared to give their Social Security number, describe their losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property. An inspector will visit the property, inspect damage, verify ownership and occupancy, and make a report. If eligible, residents will receive a housing assistance check within 7 - 10 days.

FRAUD WARNING: Residents are reminded that FEMA employees will NOT initiate phone contact, requesting bank account or credit card information. Any request for assistance must be initiated by the homeowner.

 
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Media Contact:
Steve Norman 704-336-2413
snorman@ci.charlotte.nc.us
 
Alex Burnett 704-432-0361, 704-579-0288(m)
burnear@co.mecklenburg,nc.us