Recovery Centers To Open In Emporia And Franklin 

Release Date: October 7, 2003
Release Number: 1491-51

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

Richmond, VA - Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will open in the cities of Emporia and Franklin to serve individuals in Brunswick, Greensville, Sussex, Dinwiddie and Southampton counties, and surrounding areas who have suffered losses and damages from Hurricane Isabel. For a list of DRCs currently open in Virginia, visit: www.vaemergency.com

In Franklin:
Police Courts Building
1018 Pretlow St
Operating Friday, Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 13
Hours: Fri-Mon., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
This center will close Oct. 13

In Emporia:
400 Halifax St.
Operating Wednesday, Oct. 15 through Saturday Oct. 18
Hours: Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This center will close Oct. 18

Residents of any area that has been declared a disaster area can visit any DRC.

Individuals can still register for assistance or locate DRCs by calling U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free number at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Nov. 17, 2003.

Representatives from FEMA, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), other federal and state agencies, as well as voluntary organizations will be available to provide information on disaster recovery programs. Additionally, the SBA will be available to help those affected fill out applications for low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

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 16:36:33