Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers Bring Help Directly To Communities
Four units give speed and flexibility to recovery efforts in Tennessee
Release Date: February 9, 2008
Release Number: R4-08-042
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Four specially equipped vehicles tabbed Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) are in Tennessee, where they are playing a key role as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works with state and local agencies during recovery from the storms, tornadoes and flooding of Feb. 5 - 6.
The biggest advantage of Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (MDRCs) is the speed with which they can be placed into service. They are RVs equipped with computers and satellite uplink capabilities. Designed as traveling disaster recovery centers, MDRCs can be centrally located in disaster areas.
"Governor Bredesen complimented FEMA, the state and local responders, for their speed of response to the disasters," said Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director James Bassham. "Having the MDRCs across the state immediately assures our residents that help is here."
Services people can expect from an MDRC are:
- Guidance regarding disaster recovery;
- Clarification of any written correspondence received;
- Housing Assistance and Rental Resource information;
- Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance;
- Status of applications being processed by FEMA;
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program information; and
- Information from representatives of other federal, state and local agencies.
"State and local officials have moved quickly and provided strong logistical support to help us set up the MDRCs," said Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech.
Before visiting the MDRC, disaster survivors should register. They should call (800) 621-FEMA, TTY (800) 462-7585 or online at www.fema.gov.
"When disaster-affected residents visit an MDRC they should bring information that will help speed up their assistance process," said Szczech. "We suggest they bring identification, social security numbers, insurance information, proof of address and contact phone numbers."
Locations of Tennessee's MDRCs are:
MDRC # 1
National Guard Armory, 1200 Russell Dr., Lafayette, Tenn.
(located at the Lafayette Municipal Airport)
Mon. - Sun., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. until further noticeMDRC # 2
Cragfont Baptist Church, 101 Harsh Ln., Castalian Springs, Tenn.
(located on the corner of Harsh Lane and Hartsville Pike)
Mon. - Sun., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. until further noticeMDRC # 3
Vann Plaza, 375 Vann Dr., Suites E and F, Jackson, Tenn.
(located between Keith Short Bypass and North Highland Avenue)
Sun. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Feb. 10
Thereafter Mon. - Sun., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. until further noticeMDRC # 4
The Fairgrounds, 665 Clifton Rd., Savannah, Tenn.
(one-quarter mile north of Wayne Road)
Sun.10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Feb. 10
Thereafter Mon. - Sun., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. until further notice
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 11-Feb-2008 09:20:00