State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Are Open To Help Brevard Disaster Applicants 

Release Date: August 27, 2008
Release Number: 1785-190

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated by the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are open in Brevard County to bring state and federal disaster assistance directly to people in neighborhoods affected by Tropical  Storm Fay.

"The DRCs bring joint recovery teams and resources directly to impacted communities," said State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate. "We want survivors to know that help is right here in their neighborhood."

The units are open at the following locations between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily until further notice:

BREVARD COUNTY

Grant Street Community Center
2547 Grant Street
Melbourne, Fla. 32901

Barefoot Bay Community Storefront
935 Barefoot Bay Blvd.
Barefoot Bay, Fla. 32976

"Speed of response to survivors' needs is essential, and the DRCs fill that bill," said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom Davies. "When applicants visit DRCs, they should bring information that will help speed their recovery."

Officials suggest they bring identification, social security numbers, insurance information, proof of address, contact phone numbers as well as their special FEMA application number.

Staffed by disaster assistance specialists from SERT, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other government or disaster response agencies, the locations will enable those who have already registered for assistance to check the status of their applications and inquire about other disaster assistance programs.

Officials urge applicants to first register by logging onto FEMA's constantly available Web site, www.fema.gov, or by calling the toll-free disaster assistance application number,
800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairment. The line is open from 7 a.m. to midnight daily until further notice, and multilingual operators are available.

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: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2008 13:20:56