FEMA Makes Web Site Upgrades for Disaster Victims

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced several changes to the agency’s Web site at http://www.fema.gov in an effort to provide up-to-date, importance information for those recovering from all of the recent hurricanes and storm.

FEMA has introduced a special Hurricane 2004 section for disaster victims, with disaster recovery information updated regularly. FEMA’s publication, Help After a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individual & Households Program provides information about disaster recovery programs is now on-line. New Frequently Asked Questions and Answers that are based on questions from FEMA’s Helpline, Disaster Recovery Centers and Web site are now available. Information for each disaster-declared state is also available, with important links to state and voluntary agencies.

Since Hurricane Charley first struck Florida in early August, the agency has reportedly received nearly 1 million applications for disaster assistance. FEMA continues to experience an unprecedented call volume to its toll-free number and is working to streamline the application process and provide alternative methods of accessing important recovery information.