Disaster Recovery Centers Will Adopt New Daily Hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning Friday, Sept. 23 

Release Date: September 20, 2005
Release Number: 1605-028

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina

MONTGOMERY , Ala. --All Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Alabama -- which are offering assistance to storm survivors from across the Gulf Coast as they recover from Hurricane Katrina -- will adopt new daily hours of operation beginning on Friday, Sept. 23.

Beginning Sept. 23, all centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

The centers are staffed by Alabama and Federal Emergencay Management Agency (FEMA) recovery specialists, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan representatives, and representatives of other state and federal agencies. They offer telecommunication and network computer links to assist registrants and provide updated information on applications already filed.

Mitigation specialists will also be on hand to provide practical guidance to homeowners, renters and businesses on steps they can take as they rebuild, to potentially reduce damage from future storms.

Anyone with a disaster-related need may visit any DRC to talk face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists. The specialists will provide information about available programs, including housing assistance, individual and household grants, and SBA low-interest loan applications. They can also provide information about other disaster-related programs to help cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

Before visiting a DRC, applicants should first register for assistance by calling toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362) . Individuals with speech or hearing impairments who use special keyboard equipment (TTY) should call 800-462-7585 . The lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until further notice. Registration via the Internet is available on-line at www.fema.gov .

Applicants are reminded to bring their FEMA registration number and social security number when visiting a DRC. Anyone who has already registered for federal/state disaster assistance is not required to visit a center regarding their application, but is invited to do so for disaster-related information.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities to reduce the risk of loss in future disasters, trains first responders, workers with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

DRC Locations:

Baldwin County
Foley Events Center
20801 County Road
Foley, AL

Houston County
Houston County Volunteer
Firefighter Association facility
2358 Columbia Hwy.
Dothan, AL
[Open through Saturday, Sept. 24]

Mobile County
[Mobile Unit]
Bayou La Batre Community Center
12745 Padgett Switch Road
Bayou La Batre, AL

[Mobile Unit]
Alabama Army National
Guard facility
17530 Celeste Road
Citronelle, AL
[Open through Wenesday, Sept. 21]

Mobile Civic Center
401 Civic Center Drive
Mobile, AL

Montgomery County
Vaughn Plaza
2801 W. Vaughn Plaza Rd.
Montgomery, AL

Washington County
Woodman of the World League
18051 Jordon St., US 17 N
Chatom, AL

Last Modified: Tuesday, 20-Sep-2005 11:41:10