Recovery Center To Open In Harrison County 

Release Date: July 29, 2003
Release Number: 1474-75

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

Charleston, WV -- To assist individuals and businesses in West Virginia affected by the June 2003 storms, flooding and landslides, the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Harrison County on Thursday, July 31, 2003.

The DRC will be located at the Harrison County Emergency Operation Center at
420 Buckhannon Pike, in Nutter Fort with recovery specialists on hand to answer questions about applications and the many disaster assistance programs available following the June 21, 2003 disaster declaration.

Center hours:
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Thurs., July 31 and Fri., Aug. 1
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.- Sat., Aug. 2
Closed - Sunday
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Mon., Aug. 4 through Wed., Aug. 6
The center will close permanently on Aug. 6, 2003 at 7 p.m.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to provide information on low-interest disaster loans. Residents can receive in-person assistance at the DRC in filling out their SBA loan applications for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes.

Anyone living or working in one of the disaster-declared counties is encouraged to apply for assistance before visiting the centers. To make an application, call the FEMA toll-free teleregistration number: 1 800 621-FEMA (3362) or 1 800 462 7585 (TTY) for the speech or hearing impaired. The registration line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday, until further notice.

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: Tuesday, 29-Jul-2003 08:52:25