Recovery Centers To Close In Kanawha, Monongalia And Roving-Mcdowell Counties  

Release Date: July 28, 2003
Release Number: 1474-72

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

Charleston, WV -- Federal and state officials announced the closing this week of three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). The following centers will close at 7 p.m. on the dates announced.

As of close of business Sunday, July 27, 2003, the centers had helped more than 221 residents with face-to-face answers to their questions about recovering from the severe storms, flooding and landslides. Anyone who still has questions or who would like to check on the status of his or her application in person should do so by 7 p.m. on the closing date.

"The recovery centers are a great resource for people to get their questions answered, but it is not necessary to visit a center," said Federal Coordinating Officer Louis Botta. "We always try to give people a chance to get face-to-face help; but, once the need has been met in a county, we like to move the center elsewhere to give other West Virginians the same opportunity."

Anyone who still has questions after the centers close may visit other DRCs in the state or may call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Helpline representatives will be able to give the same information provided by officials at the recovery centers or will be able to assist callers in finding the nearest DRC.

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: Monday, 28-Jul-2003 11:25:10