Federal/State Disaster Recovery Centers To Close August 4 

Release Date: July 31, 2003
Release Number: 1478-16

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

Cridersville, OH--Residents who sustained losses or damage as a result of the July 4 storms and flooding have only three more days to visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Celina and Lewistown.

The closing was announced by U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and Ohio Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery officials today.

"The Disaster Recovery Centers will be operating through 6 p.m. on Monday, August 4," said Richard Roman, state coordinating officer.

"But even after the centers close, FEMA will be as close as a telephone call away," said Ron Sherman, federal coordinating officer.

The centers, which are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday are located in Mercer and Logan counties:

Central Services Building
220 West Livingston St.
Celina, OH 45822

Indian Lake Middle School
8920 County Road 91
Lewistown, OH 43333

Disaster victims may still register for assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hearing or speech impaired individuals can call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

"People who have already registered for assistance can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA to check the status of their applications or ask questions," said Sherman.

Disaster assistance programs include housing assistance, grants for serious needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other programs, and low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration for homeowners, renters, landlords and businesses. Disaster unemployment assistance, tax assistance and other special services are also available to eligible persons affected by the disaster.

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: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 16:16:00