The Bureau of Public Debt took action to assist victims of Hurricane Floyd in New Jersey and Pennsylvania by expediting the replacement or payment of United States Savings Bonds for owners in the affected areas. The emergency procedures are effective immediately for paying agents and owners in those areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania affected by the severe weather. These procedures will remain in effect through October 31, 1999. Public Debt's action waives the normal six-month minimum holding period for Series EE and I savings bonds presented to authorized paying agents for redemption by residents of the affected areas.
Most financial institutions serve as paying agents for savings bonds.
The replacement of bonds lost or destroyed will also be expedited by Public Debt. Bond owners should include as much information as possible about the lost bonds on the form. This information should include how the bonds were inscribed, social security number, approximate dates of issue, bond denominations, and serial numbers if available. The completed form must be certified by a notary public or an officer of a financial institution. Completed forms should be forwarded to Public Debt's Savings Bond Operations Office located at 200 Third Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia 26106-1328.