Statement by White House Press Secretary

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The President today declared
a major disaster exists in the State of Tennessee and ordered Federal aid to
supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe
storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding during the period of
February 5-6, 2008.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected
individuals in the counties of Hardin, Macon, Madison, Shelby, and Sumner.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-
cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help
individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments
and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis in the
counties of Hardin, Macon, Madison, Shelby, and Sumner for debris removal and
emergency protective measures.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard
mitigation measures statewide.
R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Gracia B. Szczech as the
Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected
area.
FEMA said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more
counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the
assessments are fully completed in the affected areas.
FEMA said that those who sustained losses in the counties designated for
aid to affected individuals and business owners can begin applying for
assistance tomorrow by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling
1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech
impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(local time) seven days a week until further notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600.
SOURCE White House Press Office

White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580