Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Lauderdale and Perry Counties 

Release Date: September 22, 2004
Release Number: 1550-007

» More Information on Mississippi Hurricane Ivan

GAUTIER, Miss. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announce the opening of two additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) to assist those who suffered losses and damages as a direct result of Hurricane Ivan.

These two centers will open on Friday, September 24 at the following locations:

Lauderdale County
Meridian Training Center
1180 Sandflat Rd.
Meridian, MS
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily

Perry County
First Baptist Parking Lot
1002 First St.
Beaumont, MS
Mobile Unit: Sept. 24 –25 Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The above centers join the following DRCs currently in operation:

George County
Senior Citizen Building
7109 Hwy. 198 East
Lucedale, MS
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily

Jackson County
Jackson County Sheriff’s Reserve Bldg.
Fairgrounds off Vega St.
Pascagoula, MS
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily

Wayne County
Detention Center
613 Court St.
Waynesboro, MS
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily

Representatives from FEMA, the State of Mississippi, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the DRCs to provide information on disaster recovery programs, help an applicant check on the status of their application, or provide volunteer agency information. Additionally, SBA will be available to help fill out applications for low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

Before going to a DRC, individuals should contact their insurance company and then call FEMA’s toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance (deadline for applying is November 14, 2004). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Financial payments, as well as food and clothing, are not provided at any DRC. Those who plan to visit a DRC can visit the location nearest to them or any one of the DRCs named above.

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: Wednesday, 22-Sep-2004 19:05:13