Local Assistance Centers To Open
Release Date: November 1, 2003
Release Number: 1498-03
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Pasadena, CA- To further help individuals and businesses affected by the wildfires, the State of California and the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in conjunction with affected local governments are opening two additional Local Assistance Centers this weekend.
California Governor Gray Davis issued an executive order on Tuesday, October 28, directing the Office of Emergency Services to help local governments and FEMA to expedite the establishment of these centers with the full cooperation of California State agencies.
"The victims of these fires need our help. They need shelter, they need care, and they need our blessings." The Governor called the centers "a wonderful example of state, local, and federal governments working together to deliver much needed aid."
Opening and operating times of the new centers are as follows. Representatives of some organizations are already present at those locations that have not yet officially opened.
San Diego County
Opening Saturday, November 1, 2003, at 7 a.m. is 1347 Tavern Rd, Suite 30, Alpine. Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Opening Sunday, November 2, 2003, at 7 a.m. is 325 6th St. (old post office), Ramona. Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Another Center in San Diego County has been open since October 29: Scripps Recreation Scripps Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress. Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
San Bernardino County
Opening Saturday, November 1, 2003, at 7 a.m. is a Center at the San Bernardino County International Airport (old Norton Air Force Base), 105 N. Leland Norton Way, Airport Terminal Building. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday, November 2, 2003 only, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Subsequent Sundays, closed.
Los Angeles County
A Local Assistance Center opened Friday, October 31, 2003, at the Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Rd., Claremont. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday, closed.
The Local Assistance Centers are designed to provide more detailed program information to those who have already registered for assistance under President Bush's October 27 disaster declaration and who may have further questions.
While financial assistance is not directly provided at these centers, representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies will be present. The disaster programs available include FEMA rental assistance and minor home repair; U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes; Other Needs Assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, and other local government services and assistance, such as helping individuals with their insurance questions.
Applicants are encouraged to register by using the FEMA toll-free registration number: 1 800 621 FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1 800 462 7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired. Recovery specialists are available to take calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily.
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: Monday, 03-Nov-2003 08:10:16