Frequently Asked Questions
Disaster Recovery Centers
Release Date: October 7, 2003
Release Number: 1493-19
» More Information on District of Columbia Hurricane Isabel
Q: What is a Disaster Recovery Center?
A: A facility provided by the District of Columbia and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide disaster recovery information and an opportunity for face-to-face contact between homeowners, renters or business owners and disaster recovery specialists.
Q: Where is this Disaster Recovery Center located?
A: The D.C. Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have established two mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) that will visit Washington neighborhoods, through October 11.
| Date | Location 1 | Location 2 |
|---|---|---|
|
Monday and Tuesday October 6 and 7 |
16th St. and Colorado Ave., NW Carter Baron Amphitheater |
4th St. and Rhode Island Ave., NE (old Ames) |
|
Wednesday and Thursday October 8 and 9 |
4450 Wisconsin Ave., NW Tenley-Friendship Library (At Albemarle) |
2200 Champlain St., NW Marie Reed Learning Center (Adams Morgan) |
|
Friday and Saturday October 10 and 11 |
3924 Minnesota Ave., NE Chartered Health Parking Lot |
3214 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Pennslyvania Branch Municipal Center, Pennslyvania Branch Shopping Center (Rear entrance) |
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: The hours of operation for the District of Columbia mobile centers will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, through October 11.
Q: Can I get a check at the DRC for the damages from the hurricane?
A: No. The DRC may assist an applicant in completing their documents, check on their individual cases, or collect needed documentation to complete the processing requirements. However, specialists at the DRC do not have the capability to disperse funds (either by check or cash).
Q: What agencies will I be able to talk to at the DRC?
A: The centers are staffed by representatives of numerous federal, state and voluntary organizations, including FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the D.C Emergency Management Agency (D.C. EMA). The centers will also have information available from the American Red Cross and the Internal Revenue Service.
Q: Will I be able to receive help in completing the forms I received from FEMA (SBA)?
A: Yes. Specialists who can help you complete federal and district forms and applications for assistance, as well as check on the status of your application, are also available.
Q: What kind of disaster assistance can I receive from FEMA?
A: Residents who incurred expenses by staying in a hotel or motel as a result of the power outages that occurred in the District after Hurricane Isabel or residents whose homes were made unsafe due to hurricane damages may qualify for reimbursements for their lodging expenses. Applicants must ensure that they save the associated lodging receipts and prepare to send copies of those receipts to FEMA.
Q: What other types of assistance are available from FEMA?
A: Other federal disaster assistance available includes: Temporary housing assistance, disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA), other needs assistance grants, disaster unemployment assistance, and tax relief from the IRS.
Q: What type of assistance is available under the other needs grants (ONA) category?
A: This program is a joint effort between FEMA and the District to provide grants to those individuals or families who are not eligible for an SBA loan to assist with repair or replacement of personal property, including such things as clothing, appliances and furniture. In addition, some assistance may be available to help cover transportation, funeral, or medical/dental expenses. The District administers ONA; FEMA funds 75 percent of the cost.
Q: What kind of assistance am I eligible for from SBA?
A: The Small Business Administration (SBA) can make federally subsidized low-interest loans to repair or replace homes, personal property or businesses that sustained damage not covered by insurance. For many persons this loan program is the primary form of disaster assistance available.
Q: How do I register for FEMA Assistance?
A: The first step in applying for disaster assistance is to call FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY: 1-800-462-7585.
Q: When can I call - what are their hours of operation?
A: Hours of operations for the call centers are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.
Q: Am I required to visit one of the DRC to get FEMA or SBA assistance for my Hurricane Isabel damages?
A: No, you are not required to visit the DRC. Once registered with FEMA, applicants who have questions about disaster assistance may visit any District of Columbia mobile DRC for answers and referrals or call the FEMA Helpline (same toll-free number as the registration number above). The FEMA Helpline provides help to disaster victims who have questions about their registrations and the programs that may be available.
Q: Can I register with FEMA during my visit to the DRC?
A: Officials encourage applicants to call and register from home or work before visiting the DRCs to expedite the process during their DRC visits. However, those residents without access to phone services because of the storms will find phones available for registration at each DRC.
Q: I was out of work for two - five days and my employer will not pay me for that time. How can I qualify for disaster assistance?
A. If your unemployment is disaster related, you may file a claim for disaster unemployment assistance. Individuals must first call (202) 724-7000 to make an appointment. Claims must be filed by Monday, Oct 27, 2003.
Q: Will FEMA replace everything that I lost?
A: No. The federal programs available are not intended as a substitute for insurance. They exist to provide basic shelter and personal property needs. FEMA will not replace your damaged 52" color television. Vacation and secondary homes are not eligible for this assistance.
Q: How long will it take me to get the check?
A: Processing time varies based on the each applicant's needs and processing requirements. Some applicants have received their benefits within one day, others due to more extensive process average 7-15 days.
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, 07-Oct-2003 11:44:16