Speed recovery by staying in touch with FEMA

PASADENA — Staying in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the best way to keep your application for federal and state disaster assistance on track.

“We have a well-traveled path to help residents recover from disaster,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall of FEMA, “but sometimes families get stopped mid-way. The best way to keep your application moving is to keep communications open with our helpline.”

If your personal information has changed, be sure to call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. These lines are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Changes may also be made online at http://www.fema.gov/assistance/process/update_assistance.shtm.

It is important that FEMA has your most up-to-date contact information.

As insurance companies begin to pay for damages and losses, you may find that you have under- or un-insured losses. Let FEMA know about any changes in your insurance coverage and any payments you have received.

You may also hear from FEMA. Should you receive a denial letter, it may simply mean that FEMA doesn’t have all the personal or insurance information needed to process your application.

Read your denial letter carefully and respond as directed. You can always call the helpline if you have questions about your application.