Videos

FEMA accessible video about how to contact FEMA with your disaster-related questions in American Sign Language (ASL).

[Transcript:]

Call FEMA with Questions

If you applied for help from FEMA after the disaster and have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to solve issues, get new information and give new information. For 711 or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. TTY: call 800-462-7585. You can register in any language.

You can also use the FEMA Helpline to apply for disaster help before the deadline.

There are operators who can answer your questions, give you information about the help you can receive and take your new information. If you change your address, telephone number or bank information, call the Helpline. You should also call if you made a mistake when you reported your damage or losses.

When you call the Helpline, be ready to give them the nine-digit FEMA registration number they gave you when you applied.

You can also call the Helpline to:

• Give new information about your insurance.
• Get information about how they inspect your home.
• Add or remove the name of a person who can speak for you.
• Find out if FEMA needs more information about your claim.
• Give FEMA more information about where you are living.
• Learn how to ask FEMA to review your case if you didn’t receive all the help you need.
• Get your answers to other questions about your application.

*Video published July 24, 2017 via the FEMA YouTube Channel*

FEMA video about the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program to help disaster survivors find a temporary hotel/motel during a disaster in American Sign Language (ASL).

[Transcript:]

Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is a FEMA program that allows disaster survivors to temporarily stay in hotels or motels.

• To be eligible for TSA, you must:
  • Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance (disasterassistance.gov)
• FEMA will contact you by phone, text, or email to let you know if you are eligible for TSA. Once you are notified, that you are eligible, you can find participating hotels at www.disasterassistance.gov and select “Participating Hotel List-Transitional Sheltering Assistance”
• If you have a disability or access or functional need, participating hotels are required to indicate the number of hotel rooms with “ADA accommodations.”
• When you contact the hotel, be sure to tell them what features are required for your disability or access or functional need.
• Contact the hotel directly to ask if “Transitional Sheltering Assistance rooms are available.” If rooms are available, go to the hotel in person to book a room.

Don’t Forget:

• Before you travel, check room availability
• Make sure to bring your photo identification and FEMA registration ID number
• You are responsible for all costs such as room service, laundry, parking, telephone or other services. FEMA makes payments directly to lodging providers for room rental and taxes.

*Video published August 31, 2017 via the FEMA YouTube Channel*

FEMA video about what to expect when registering for FEMA after a disaster – part two of two videos – in American Sign Language (ASL).

[Transcript:]

This is the second video for what to expect when registering with FEMA.

Step Two: Inspections

After you register, a FEMA-contracted inspector may call you to set up an appointment to assess your damaged property.

Inspectors will never ask for bank account information, and there is no cost for the inspection.

When FEMA inspectors arrive at a home, they will display official photo identification. If the photo identification is not displayed, it is important to ask to see it.

Make sure your home or mailbox number is easily visible from the road. As part of the inspection process, you must provide proof of ownership or occupancy.

• Homeowners may show a tax bill, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property’s address.
• Renters may show a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
• Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver’s license or other photo ID.

Step Three: Follow Up With FEMA

After registering for assistance, you will receive a letter regarding your application status. Some applicants may receive an SMS/text message. The letter will explain the status of your application and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully.

It is important to read and follow up with any correspondence from FEMA. You may have to log into your account on DisasterAssistance.gov or call the helpline at 800-621-3362 to keep the application process moving. You are also urged to keep your contact information updated with a current address and phone number to ensure FEMA can reach you with new information or questions.

*Video published August 30, 2017 via the FEMA YouTube Channel*

FEMA video about what to expect when registering for FEMA after a disaster – part one of two videos – in American Sign Language (ASL).

[Transcript:]

What to Expect in the FEMA Registration Process

If you’ve experienced property damage or loss caused by the recent disaster, you should apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency – even if you have insurance.

Survivors in the counties affected by the disaster can apply for disaster assistance that may include money to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs or other disaster-related expenses.

Also, homeowners, renters and business owners may qualify for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help recover from losses not covered by insurance, grants or other sources.

Here are three steps to follow when applying for federal disaster assistance.

Step One: Registration

• Register with FEMA.
• Call 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) you can call 800-621-3362.
• Go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Use the FEMA app for smartphones.
• You also can register with FEMA at a disaster recovery center. Find the nearest center by going online to www.fema.gov/DRC.
• If you have insurance, contact your agent and register with FEMA.
• When calling FEMA, it is helpful to have the following information handy:
  • Social Security number
  • Address of the damaged primary residence or apartment
  • Description of damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • A current contact telephone number
  • An address where you can receive mail
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
• If you are contacted by the SBA regarding a low-interest disaster loan application, it is important to complete and submit it as soon as possible. Returning the application does not obligate the survivor to accept an SBA loan, but it is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.
• SBA also offers low-interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.
• For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955. TTY users call 800-877-8339. Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster.

When applying for assistance, you will receive a nine-digit registration number that can be used for reference when corresponding with FEMA.

FEMA is committed to ensuring people with disabilities or others with access and functional needs get services and assistance. When you register, let FEMA staff know that you have a need or a reasonable accommodation request.

For more information about home inspections and following up with FEMA, please look for this video on the FEMA YouTube page – keyword: FEMA Accessible Home Inspections & Following Up With FEMA.

*Video published August 30, 2017 via the FEMA YouTube Channel*