Disaster Recover Center To Open In Patrick County 

Release Date: October 25, 2004
Release Number: 1570-012

» More Information on Virginia Severe Storms and Flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne

SALEM, Va. -- A disaster recovery center will open at the John D. Hooker Memorial Building near Stuart on Monday, Nov. 1, 2004, to help victims of flooding from Tropical Depression Jeanne in late September, under a major disaster declaration signed by President Bush.

The cities of Salem and Roanoke, and the counties of Alleghany, Craig, Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Patrick, and Roanoke were designated for assistance for qualified homeowners, renters and business people.

The center, at 264 Woodland Drive, will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, November 6. Other regional disaster recovery centers are being planned for additional localities in the declared area.

People who wish to apply should begin the process by calling toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- and speech-impaired. The numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Those with Internet access can register on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available.

The center is also available to victims of the storm in Ashe, Alleghany and Stokes counties in North Carolina.

"It’s important to register before you come to the disaster center," said Marianne C. Jackson, who is heading up the recovery effort for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "You’re don’t have to go to the center to receive aid, but this is a chance to meet face-to-face with representatives of federal and state agencies."

Michael M. Cline, the state coordinating officer for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), said the center is a good place to get additional information. "We can provide personal assistance at the disaster recovery center," Cline said. "We believe it’s important for victims to be able to talk to someone in person."

In addition to FEMA and VDEM, the center will have representatives of the U. S. Small Business Administration, who will have information about low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and business owners.

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, 25-Oct-2004 16:07:19