Disaster Recovery Centers Open Friday; New Hours in Waukee
Release Date: June 10, 2004
Release Number: 1518-021
» More Information on Iowa Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Even though President Bush has designated Friday a federal holiday, six Disaster Recovery Centers will remain open that day to serve Iowans affected by recent severe storms, flooding and tornadoes. In addition, hours have changed for the center in Waukee.
“Iowans may visit any center that they wish,” said Thomas Costello, Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster. “They don’t need to live or work in a county to go to a center located there.”
Disaster Recovery Centers are operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Iowa Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HLSEM). They are staffed by representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies, as well as loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Disaster Recovery Centers provide an opportunity for Iowans to meet face-to-face with federal, state, local, and volunteer agencies to discuss their disaster-related needs,” said State Coordinating Officer Steve Zimmerman.
The centers are located as follows:
The centers are located as follows:
- Independence: 1305 5th Avenue NE, Falcon Community Center
- Marshalltown: 2500 South Center Street, Marshalltown Center, Suite 233
- Mason City: 100 South Federal Avenue, South Bridge Mall, Younkers Court, Suite 404
- National: Clayton County Fairgrounds, Highway 52
- Waterloo: 1925 Newell, Hazardous Materials Training Center
- Waukee: 1300 L.A. Grant, Waukee Fire Department Training Room
With the exception of the Waukee center, all are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Waukee Center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The first step in receiving disaster assistance through several state and federal programs is to call the FEMA toll-free registration number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired.
The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division was known as the Iowa Emergency Management Division until July 2003. The current name reflects the dual nature of the Division to provide programs and resources for both homeland security and emergency management efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 10-Jun-2004 13:56:35