wfn.org | Toll-free number gives fire victims hotline to help

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

July 13, 1998        Contact: Tim Tanton*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
{413}

NOTE:  This story is a sidebar to UMNS #412.

By Tita Parham*

Disaster response workers with the United Methodist Church's Florida
Annual (regional) Conference will be joining with the Federal Emergency
Management Administration (FEMA) and the American Red Cross to help fire
victims through a new, toll-free emergency number.

People who need help can call 1-800-297-4233 and leave their name and
number. They will be contacted by a United Methodist disaster response
worker, who will refer them to FEMA, the American Red Cross or the
United Methodist church closest to them trained in disaster response.
Churches will provide assistance securing shelter, food and supplies.

The phone number will be listed on the forms FEMA and the America Red
Cross require individuals to complete before receiving assistance,
according to Bill Rhan, the conference's disaster response coordinator,

"It's a first," he said. "They've never done that before."

Individuals or groups who would like to assist with relief efforts may
also call that number to find out the best location to donate
nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies and water -- items that are
needed in bulk, not loose.

# # #

*Parham is communications director for the Florida Conference Council on
Ministries.	

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/