News Releases for August 2007
August 29, 2007
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Hoeven: Job Service North Dakota Unemployment Benefits Available For Northwood Residents
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today announced that working residents of the Northwood area are eligible for unemployment benefits if their workplace is not operational due to the recent tornado. By filing a claim prior to midnight on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007, residents can receive unemployment insurance benefits sooner.
At Hoeven’s request, Job Service North Dakota staff will be in Northwood this week to speed assistance. Unemployment representatives will be available on Thursday, August 30, at 8 a.m. at Alerus Financial, 503 Washington Street, to provide information and assistance to applicants. Residents can also file a claim or ask questions concerning unemployment insurance benefits and eligibility requirements by logging on to www.jobsnd.com, or contacting the Unemployment Insurance Claims Center at 701-328-4995.
“Residents of the Northwood area are facing many challenges, and helping them obtain unemployment insurance benefits is an important part of our effort to help them recover,” Hoeven said. “We encourage you to make contact with Job Service as soon as possible to help make sure you have the financial resources you need as soon as possible.”
“Job Service North Dakota is ready to assist residents in signing up, and answering any questions they have concerning unemployment insurance,” said Job Service North Dakota Director Maren Daley.
Hoeven yesterday requested that the Federal Emergency Management Administration join with state and local officials to conduct preliminary damage assessments as a step toward securing a Presidential declaration for the tornado damages that struck Northwood.
Beginning Sunday night, Hoeven has directed the following resources to helping residents:
- Hoeven directed the N.D. National Guard (NDNG) to send 100 soldiers to assist with debris removal, security, heavy equipment operations and communication support.
- Hoeven is in continuous contact with the N.D. Department of Emergency Services (NDDES), which continues to coordinate state resources, assisting in recovery efforts for Northwood.
- The N.D. Department of Transportation (NDDOT) has been on scene since Sunday night with trucks, loaders and personnel for debris removal and other recovery activities. They’ve provided signage and traffic control assistance.
- N.D. Highway Patrol (NDHP) officers were on scene Sunday night and continue to assist with security, traffic control and other law enforcement needs.
- The N.D. Electrical Board is inspecting buildings and assisting local authorities in restoring electrical power to the city.
- The N.D. Department of Health (NDDoH) is coordinating environmental health, medical supply and patient care needs.
- The N.D. Department of Human Services (NDDHS) is coordinating voluntary agencies and has sent a Crisis Mental Health Team to the area.
In addition, the N.D. Insurance Department is providing information to policy holders, and is evaluating public infrastructure for indemnity from the state’s Fire and Tornado Fund, which covers public buildings. The N.D. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NDVOAD) is coordinating with NDDES to shelter and feed citizens.
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