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Who should be responsible for paying for the Irene clean-up?

I'm not sure I believe that all of the taxpayers are responsible for clean - up for Irene.  While I feel sorry for those who received damages, isn't that what insurance is for?  As for those without insurance....don't know that it is my problem that someone doesn't get insurance.

In so many disasters we should take personal responsiblity and prepare with insurance and other planning measures--but that is easy to say when your not in the disaster.

Now another storm, Tropical Storm Lee, is approaching New Orleans.  I sure hope that Lee is not another Katrina.  There are warnings that the levies will be challenged.  I think they still have the same Mayor (who seemed a little incompetent during the Katrina disaster)...but Bobby Jindal seems as if he is a somewhat more competent governor.  Let's hope that all goes well with Tropical Storm Lee.

so much aid was wasted dearing the hurricane katrina recovery, i hope its not repeated here.

Even as communities of the Eastern seaboard recover from the hurricane, the country as a whole continues to face the challenge of economic recovery, i think we as a country, should offer assistance, but it gets harder every time this comes up

FEMA will be working with state and local responders to assess damage and assist in the recovery.

In 2003 alone, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) paid out nearly $2 billion in recovery assistance to victims of 56 declared natural disasters. If you become a victim of a declared natural disaster, do not hesitate to apply to FEMA for disaster assistance. It's a simple process, but there are some tips you need to keep in mind

Applying for Disaster Assistance
As soon as possible, register for assistance by calling FEMA’s toll free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY, 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired. When you call, a FEMA representative will explain the types of assistance available to you

Shortly after a disaster, FEMA will setup mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in the stricken area. You can also apply for assistance by contacting the personnel there

You can also apply for help online at: http://www.fema.gov/register.shtm

When applying, here are some tips to remember//

Be sure to give FEMA a phone number at which you can always be reached. They will need to contact you

Make sure you can be present when FEMA comes to inspect your damage. Be sure your street address is easily visible and allow enough time for the inspection. There is no fee for the inspection. Inspectors will set up an appointment to visit your property within a few days of application. Inspectors are contractors; they are not FEMA employees, but they will have a FEMA ID

If you move or change the location of your business after applying for federal/state assistance, call the FEMA toll free number to update your phone number and address

Even if you have insurance, call FEMA and apply for assistance. This will establish your eligibility for help if, after you settle with your insurance company, further damage is discovered. Individuals who have insurance may still qualify for certain assistance

Renters should not hesitate to apply for help. Renters may be eligible for help for essential items not covered by insurance. Also, both renters and homeowners forced from their homes may receive temporary housing assistance

If you receive an SBA loan application, complete and return it even if you may not be able to afford a loan; individuals who are not qualified for a low-interest loan may be eligible for a grant

To check the status of your application, or to amend it - for example, to report newly-discovered damage - select the helpline option at FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY, 1-800-462-7585

Once FEMA has inspected your damage and determined that you are eligible for assistance, you will receive a housing assistance check within 7-10 day

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