Disaster Recovery Center New Year's Holiday Schedule Toll-Free Telegistration And Help Line Days Change 

Release Date: December 30, 2003
Release Number: 1502-12

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RICHMOND, Va. -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bluefield, Virginia will have shortened hours during the New Year’s week, federal and state officials announced today.

The center, located in Bluefield, Virginia at the Kroger Plaza, S. College Avenue, will change days of operation as follows: open on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed all day on Thursday, Jan. 1. The DRC will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2, but only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center will resume normal operating hours on Saturday, Jan. 3 and until further notice will operate Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The center will no longer be open on Sundays.

“We urge those Virginians who need help, but who have not yet registered for assistance, to call FEMA as soon as possible,” said Commonwealth Coordinator Michael Cline, “so they can get the help they need as soon as possible.”

The DRC is designed to provide more detailed information to people who have already applied by phone for assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing and speech impaired.

The lines will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, reopening on Friday, Jan. 2. The lines will continue to operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, now closed on weekends through Monday, Feb. 9 (the last day to register for state/federal disaster assistance).

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: Tuesday, 30-Dec-2003 13:37:42