Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open on Columbus Day
Release Date: October 7, 2005
Release Number: 1605-058
» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The joint state/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located throughout Alabama will be open on the Columbus Day holiday, October 10, to serve those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
In fact, officials in charge of recovery operations think this is a good day for anyone looking for disaster assistance information to call the toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362); for the speech- or hearing-impaired, 1 800 462 7585 (TTY). Fewer calls are expected because of the holiday.
It’s also a good day to visit a DRC to inquire about the status of applications already filed or to get help completing the U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan application form. Applicants should remember to bring their FEMA registration number and Social Security number with them when visiting a DRC.
Michael Bolch, senior deputy federal coordinating officer, said, “With many businesses closed, we want to encourage people who have the day off to take this time to ask questions about any losses they may have suffered because of the Hurricane. Our centers will be open as usual, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the registration and Helpline continues to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Individuals who have not yet registered for assistance can either call the toll-free number or register online at www.fema.gov.
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, 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: Friday, 07-Oct-2005 09:06:52