The Disaster Recovery Center: A One-Stop Source 

Release Date: June 29, 2007
Release Number: 1700-017

» More Information on Connecticut Severe Storms and Flooding

WINDSOR, Conn. -- What is a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and why does an applicant go to one?  In short, a visit to a DRC will give you personalized service rendered by a team of experts. Once the application is made, the applicant can get answers to any questions on the process and programs.

Anyone affected by the disaster…homeowners, renters and business owners…can register for disaster assistance by calling the tele-registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) [TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech-or hearing-impaired] or by going online at www.fema.gov.  An application may also be made at any DRC.

"Our goal is to assure that anyone with losses from the April storms is able to speak to a program specialist, face to face, and receive the information necessary to make informed decisions relating to their particular circumstances," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Parker.  "The DRCs are in place to provide applicants with easy access to this help."

Each applicant's specific needs are different and may include damaged or lost housing, personal property losses, emergency and/or immediate need situations, etc.  Disaster specialists at the DRCs (see list, page 2) are working from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, providing applicants with information on avenues of assistance for each particular situation.

"There are also state programs that are available to qualified applicants," said Governor M. Jodi Rell.  "Details on these and other programs are available at the DRCs through referral contact information."   

At the DRCs, program specialists can either provide applicants with specific information or refer them to the appropriate source if the necessary information or service is not available at the DRC.

Federal agency partners at the DRCs include Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) specialists, mitigation advisors and U.S. Small Business Administration loan officers for homeowners, renters and business owners needing assistance with disaster loan applications.

Connecticut counties that are included in the disaster declaration approved on June 13 for damages caused to homes and businesses are: Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham.

Norwalk Armory
290 New Canaan Avenue
Norwalk, CT  06850
(opening 6/26)

Central High School Gym
1 Lincoln Boulevard
Bridgeport, CT  06606
(opened 6/16)

City Hall
155 Deer Hill Avenue
Danbury, CT  06810
(opened 6/21)

West Greenwich Civic Center
449 Pemberwick Road
Greenwich, CT  06831
(opened 6/20)

Gateway Community College
60 Sergeant Drive
New Haven, CT  06511
(opened 6/22)

Simsbury High School
34 Farms Village Road
Simsbury, CT  06070
(opened 6/23)

Chase Building
236 Grand St. (2nd Fl.)
Waterbury, CT  06702
(opened 6/23)

June 29 & 30,  July 2        
Town Police Station
Emergency Comm. Center
68 Groton Long Point Road
Groton, CT  06340

July 3, 5 & 6
Windham Middle school
123 Quarry Street
Willimantic, CT  06226

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: Friday, 29-Jun-2007 10:16:56