Mobile Disaster Recovery Center To Visit Wilkesboro 

Release Date: September 30, 2004
Release Number: 1546-022

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- State and federal officials announce that a mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Wilkes County will be available to assist those affected by the recent severe storms beginning Monday, October 4 through Wednesday, October 6 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Disaster Recovery Center hours and location are as follows:

Location:

Wilkes County Service Center
1801 Industrial Drive
Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697

Opening: Monday, October 4.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management (CCPS-DEM) encourage individuals to apply for disaster assistance by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Registrars are taking applications 24 hours a day until further notice. Persons who are hearing/speech-impaired can apply by calling a special TTY number, 1-800-462-7585. If the wait is long, please remember that others are affected by on-going disasters around the country and are also calling to register for assistance. Don’t get discouraged. Non-peak calling times are currently between midnight to 4:30 a.m.

Once registered, individuals visiting a DRC can get information on the status of their application; details on the types of state and federal disaster assistance available; help with completing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications for homeowners, renters, and businesses of any size for losses not fully compensated by insurance; types of assistance available through voluntary agencies; and rebuilding tips on how to minimize future storm damage.

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: Friday, 01-Oct-2004 08:53:21