STORM DAMAGE UPDATE
President
Declares Major Disaster For D.C.
Floods
The
head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that
President Bush has declared a major disaster for the District of Columbia,
opening
the way for the use of federal funds to help families and businesses recover
from the torrential rains that swamped parts of the city last weekend. The
declaration covers damage from severe storms, flooding and mudslides that
occurred over the period of August 10-12.
Under the declaration, flood-stricken residents are eligible to apply for federal aid that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. In addition, federal funds will be provided to the District on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks.
President
Bush named Thomas Davies of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
Affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application
process by calling 1-800-462-9029, or 1- 800-462-7585 (TTY) for
the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be
available starting Friday, August 17, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week
until further notice.
When
calling FEMA to give a damage/loss report, make certain that you receive
a claim number. Perhaps needless to say, please keep this number
(along with any pictures or other documentation which you have) in a safe and
convenient place. The number will be very helpful when FEMA officials contact
you about your claim.
What
To Do In Case Of Flood Damage!
ü
Call
your insurance carrier to file a claim. Many residents may not have flood
insurance, but depending upon the nature of the damage (e.g., if you have sewage
come up from a toilet or tub/shower in your basement) you could possibly be
eligible for a claim.
ü
Photograph and document
all items that were lost. Quickly dispose of any damaged property, but please
photograph and document the items first, if possible. Keep any and all receipts
for items you purchased to help clean your basement or other affected areas.
ü
If
you are cleaning your basement or other affected area yourself, wear knee high
rubber boots taped at the top so as to avoid the possibility of getting sewage
on your skin. Also wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you are
elderly or if your immune system is compromised due to illness, DO NOT WORK
AROUND AFFECTED AREAS! Call one of the flood resources that are reported
below for help.
ü
Carefully inspect the
damage around your electrical box, furnace, air conditioner and water heater.
Also, carefully read all equipment documentation to test systems. Call PEPCO
(202-872-3432) or Washington Gas (703-750-1400 or 1-800-752-7520), if
you are at all concerned with your systems. If you smell gas, leave your home
immediately and call Washington Gas.
·
D.C.
Emergency Management Agency
at
(202) 673-2101 Exts. 1138, 1141, 1173, or 1182.
·
D.C.
Water and Sewer Authority (WASA); for
24-hour Water and Sewer Emergency, (202) 612-3400
·
WASA
Property Damage Claims; (866)
4DC-WASA (432-9272)
·
American
Red Cross; (202) 728-6401
Flood Response Command
Center
q
St.
Martin's Catholic Church, North Capitol and T Streets, N.W., (202)
232-1144
At
St. Martin's, affected residents can receive emergency assistance in the form
of food, clothing and referrals for shelter. Cleaning supplies are available
for those who are in need of them. And, the church is serving as a reception
center for the donation of clothing (for adults and children), food,
cleaning supplies, and other articles that you are willing to share with
neighbors who, in many instances, have lost everything. A number of local
government officials will be stationed at St. Martin's to receive your requests
for any other city services that might be needed. This Command Center will
remain in place until further notice.
Mobile Command Center's
will be located on the following blocks to receive requests for services from
residents, as well as to distribute relief information and
water.
Mobile Command One
1st Street and P Streets,
N.W.
Mobile Command Two
New Jersey
Avenue & O
Street, N.W.
Mobile Command Three
2nd and
U Streets,
N.W.
Mobile Command
Four
1st Street and Rhode Island Avenue,
N.W.
To assist a number of
families in our neighborhood to clean their homes and otherwise recover from the
damage and trauma that they recently experienced. If you have any time to
contribute to this effort over the next 10 to 14 days, please contact Jim Berry
at (202) 345-4813!
(Update Courtesy of ANC 5C, James D. Berry, Jr., Chairperson)
