FEMA And Indiana To Open Disaster Recovery Centers Thursday
Release Date: July 16, 2003
Release Number: 1476-05
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Indianapolis, IN -- Three Disaster Recovery Centers will open on Thursday, July 17, to serve Indiana victims of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began July 4, announced officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
After calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (TTY 1-800-462-7585), disaster victims may visit the short-term centers to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. Representatives of local, state and federal agencies will be on hand to provide information on disaster assistance programs. Also, people who are rebuilding or making repairs can learn about ways to reduce future disaster damages.
Locations and Hours of Operation:
|
Wells County EMA |
Johanning Civic Center |
Tippecanoe County EMA |
9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
||
"At this time in the recovery process, people are beginning to think about putting their lives back together," Thomas J. Costello, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, said. "Right now people want information about the status of their applications for assistance or need help filling out their disaster loan applications. They want to know what their options are for rebuilding, so they don't have to face the same problems when severe storms strike again."
Some of the things people can receive at the Disaster Recovery Centers include:
- Information about the status of the application they have already made by phone
- Referrals for temporary rental assistance resources
- Assistance completing U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan applications for homeowners, renters or business owners
- Information on cost effective measures to reduce the impact of future flooding or disaster losses
- Information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance
- State and federal disaster tax assistance
- Referrals to American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs
"These centers will be open for a limited time," Patrick R. Ralston, SEMA state coordinating officer, said. "We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to have their questions answered about disaster assistance and learn what they can do to avoid damages from severe storms and flooding in the future."
The first step in receiving disaster assistance made available under the July 11 Presidential disaster declaration is to register by calling the toll-free FEMA application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those with speech or hearing impairment the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.
Individuals who are unable to visit a center and have questions about disaster assistance, rebuilding or preventive measures to avoid future damages are urged to call the same numbers and select the option for "General Information."
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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Jul-2003 14:30:25