PEMA, FEMA To Open A Disaster Recovery Center In Luzerne County 

Release Date: September 29, 2004
Release Number: 1555-010

» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding associated with Tropical Depression Frances
» More Information on Pennsylvania Tropical Depression Ivan

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- State and federal officials announce the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Luzerne County to assist individuals and business owners, who suffered losses and damages from Tropical Depressions Frances and Ivan. The Disaster Recovery Center will be at the following location:

LUZERNE County

Valley Crest Nursing Home
1551 East End Road
Wilkes-Barre

Center will open on THURSDAY, SEPT. 30 at noon.
Thereafter, open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Anyone who incurred damage because of Tropical Depressions Frances or Ivan may visit any Disaster Recovery Center regardless of where they live.

“This center will provide personal assistance and information to disaster victims with direct access to local, state and federal specialists,” said State Coordinating Officer David M. Sanko. “The information available in the DRC will include disaster housing assistance for families displaced from damaged homes, low-interest federal loans, and grants for those who are ineligible for loans.”

Individuals may talk with representatives about flood and homeowner’s insurance, health and welfare assistance, well water testing, crisis counseling, and senior citizen services. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available to help applicants complete low-interest disaster loan packets.

“Visiting a DRC is not mandatory but it is an opportunity for people to have face-to-face contact with agency representatives,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom Davies.

Before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, flood victims, who sustained damage in the counties listed below, should first register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

The designated counties are:

Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Butler, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Washington, Wayne, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.

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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Friday, 01-Oct-2004 11:16:33