Last Two State Disaster Recovery Centers to Close, Disaster Assistance Remains Readily Accessible 

Release Date: August 4, 2008
Release Number: 1771-044

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Federal and state officials announced today that the last two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC/MDRC) will close this week.  Officials cited the reduced level of activity as the reason for the closings.

The DRC/MDRCs were opened to assist survivors of the severe storms and flooding, which began June 1 and ended July 22, who are located in one of the 18 Illinois disaster-designated counties. Those counties whose citizens are eligible for Individual Assistance are Adams, Calhoun, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, Jersey, Lake, Lawrence, Mercer, Rock Island, Whiteside and Winnebago.

Officials encourage victims to visit one of the disaster recovery center locations, before the recovery specialists leave, to learn about the status of their application for assistance or to apply for disaster aid if they have not done so already.  The remaining recovery centers are:

Hancock County                                             Winnebago County
Dallas Elementary School                               Michelsen's Office Furniture
921 Creamery Hill Road                                8020 N. 2nd Street
Dallas City                                                      Machesney Park
(Closing Wednesday Aug. 6 at 4 p.m.)         (Closing Friday Aug, 8 at 4 p.m.)

It is important for disaster victims in the designated counties to know that even though these sites are closing, assistance is still available by calling FEMA's registration/Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Hearing- or speech-impaired individuals who have TTY equipment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Storm victims also may apply for assistance online at www.fema.gov. 

The Disaster Recovery Centers were established to provide detailed program information to those who have already applied for assistance. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies are on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to discuss disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Written materials about various assistance programs also are available to individuals and business owners.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Aug-2008 08:15:20