Disaster Recovery Centers Offer Many Services To Applicants New Hours Set: 8 A.M. - 6 P.M., Closed Sundays
Release Date: October 1, 2005
Release Number: 1605-047
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY , Al. -- Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Alabama continue to open in areas where they are easily accessible to the highest number of claimants needing their services. More than 18,600 Alabama residents and evacuees from neighboring states have visited DRCs in the last month and nearly 1,000 people visit the centers daily. All DRCs are now open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., six days a week, closed Sundays.
Anyone with a disaster-related need may visit any DRC to talk face-to-face with recovery specialists. The specialists will provide information about available programs, including housing assistance, individual and household grants, and SBA low-interest loan applications. They can also provide information about other disaster-related programs to help cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.
Frequently asked questions about DRCs:
Why are DRCs located where they are?
The DRCs are put in central locations near affected areas that are easily accessible to those that need them. They offer telecommunication and network computer links to assist registrants and provide updated information on applications already filed. Anyone can go to any DRC. For that reason, not every county will have, or need one.
Do I go to a DRC to start the process of getting aid?
No. Start the process before you go to a DRC, by registering over the phone at 800 -621-FEMA (3362) . If you have a speech or hearing impairment, call the TTY number instead: 800-462-7585 .
If I start the process by phone, why go to a DRC?
You do not need to go to a DRC at all. However, after you register by phone, you may get an application to fill out for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA representatives at the DRC can help you fill out that paperwork. Also, you can ask them questions about your application and disasters in general. You can update the information you have given, such as reporting a new address. It is a chance to meet face to face with disaster recovery experts, and get personal guidance through whatever happens next. You can visit as many times as you like throughout the recovery process. Applicants are reminded to bring their FEMA registration number and Social Security number when visiting a DRC.
Would I go to a DRC if I do not plan to register for aid?
You might. The DRCs are open to the public, and experts there have lots of information on making your home or business safe against disasters, having a family disaster plan and obtaining flood insurance. Also, state and volunteer agencies may be able to provide assistance even if you are not eligible for any federal program.
Who is there to talk to in a DRC?
- DRCs are staffed by State of Alabama and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recovery specialists, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan representatives, and representatives of other state and federal agencies.
- Mitigation specialists will also be on hand to provide practical guidance to homeowners, renters and businesses on steps they can take as they rebuild, to potentially reduce damage from future storms.
- Disaster specialists from FEMA and the State of Alabama are there and can explain their programs, such as grants for home repairs or temporary rental housing, and help for people who have serious immediate needs from the disaster that cannot be met by other sources.
- Representatives from the SBA are there to answer questions about the low-interest disaster loan program, issue applications, and provide any extra help you may need or want completing your application.
- Volunteer agencies are there and can often help with a wide variety of immediate needs or other problems.
- Other experts can explain flood insurance programs, or how to make your home or business safer.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages the federal response and recovery efforts following an incident of national significance. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities to reduce the risk of loss in future disasters, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 03-Oct-2005 07:24:49