FEMA Declaration

June 23, 2008
J. McLellan 267-2542
Emergency Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/23/08 Issuing Department: Emergency Management For more information contact: J. McLellan, Dept. of Emergency Management 608/267-2542 FEMA Declaration Reference #062308-01 Available at: www.co.dane.wi.us Federal Individual Assistance Available Governor Doyle announced that Dane County has been designated a federal disaster area under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Major Disaster Declaration #1768. This declaration allows Dane County residents to apply for federal assistance available to individuals (including renters), households, and businesses that were impacted by storms, tornados, and flood waters since June 5, 2008. “The FEMA declaration means some much-needed relief for the victims of the recent floodwaters and storms,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all persons who were impacted to make a formal application for assistance. If persons have questions regarding their qualification for assistance, they should make application with FEMA. Reporting damage information to local units of government is not applying for federal assistance. Completing the application is the first step in the process to access federal assistance. Applications may be made either : · Over the internet, at http://www.fema.gov/assistance, · By telephone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or · TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities, The application deadline for individuals and households applying federal assistance is AUGUST 13, 2008! Web links to important informational resources, including FEMA’s disaster assistance web site, may be found through the Severe Weather & Flood Information link at the top of Dane County’s web page (www.countyofdane.com). SLOW-NO-WAKE Madison area lakes all remain at or near record high levels. County officials are continuously monitoring lake levels but don’t anticipate any changes in the current “Slow, No Wake” order for several days. Boaters violating the order face citations of $161. PUBLIC HEALTH Persons working in and around flood waters, including those in basements, need to pay close attention to their personal hygiene. Flood waters contain a wide variety of bacteria and viruses. Generous amounts of soap and water are the preferred method of cleaning up after working in flood waters, hand sanitizers are good if soap and water are not available. Its especially important to wash before eating or drinking! For more information regarding personal health around flood waters, persons may either contact Public Health Madison and Dane County by telephone at 266-4821 or visit them on the web at www.publichealthmdc.com. ###