Hours Of Operation To Change For Disaster Recovery Centers 

Release Date: October 15, 2003
Release Number: 1491-66

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

Richmond, VA - State and federal officials announced today that some of the joint federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) opened throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia to assist residents affected by Hurricane Isabel will be closed on Sundays beginning October 19.

The new hours for the DRCs listed below will be: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for:

Alexandria, Chesapeake, Chesterfield County, Gloucester, Henrico County, Hampton, Montross, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond, Saluda, Smithfield, Suffolk, Surry, Virginia Beach and Yorktown. Residents of localities that have been declared disaster areas can visit any DRC.

The DRCs are designed to provide more detailed program information to people who have already applied for assistance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. FEMA's number also operates as a Helpline for those who choose not to go to a DRC. 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.

For a list of DRCs currently open in Virginia, call FEMA's toll-free Helpline at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's (VDEM) Web site at: www.vaemergency.com

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 individuals 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: Wednesday, 15-Oct-2003 09:26:17