Have Questions About Your Aid Application? DRCs Can Help
Release Date: June 28, 2004
Release Number: 1523-024
» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and Mudslides
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky currently have four Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) open to serve residents of disaster-stricken counties. At the centers, homeowners, renters, and businesses will have the opportunity to discuss their recovery-related concerns one-on-one with disaster officials.
“Disasters are very disruptive events. Important papers may be lost and lives are turned upside down,” said Michael Bolch, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. “The recovery centers provide a place where survivors can meet face-to-face with disaster officials and have their concerns addressed immediately.”
[Editors Note: All DRCs will be closed Sunday and Monday, July 4-5. Information about where the DRCs are and when they will open is provided at the end of this news release]
Is going to a DRC mandatory after I register?
Going to a DRC is not required. It is an opportunity for applicants to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery experts, and get personal guidance on disaster-related needs. Applicants are encouraged to contact FEMA through the toll-free registration/helpline, or to visit DRCs as needed to get answers to questions throughout the application process.
Who should go to DRCs?
- All those who have applied for recovery assistance using the FEMA toll-free registration number and have questions or concerns about their applications. (Applicants can also call the FEMA toll-free number for answers to their questions.)
- If phone service is not available in your area there will be phones available at the DRC and FEMA representatives will be on-hand to help with the application process.
- The FEMA toll-free registration/helpline is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY), for the hearing and speech impaired. Registration lines are available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT and CDT).
- Registration is required in order to receive assistance.
What happens at a DRC?
- Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other agencies will be there to answer questions and discuss applicant concerns.
- FEMA will have people on-hand to talk with applicants about the status of their application and to explain practical measures for reducing future losses as recovery begins.
- There will also be FEMA representatives giving information about how to rebuild stronger to protect against future storm damage.
- Information about the importance of, and how to purchase flood Insurance.
- SBA representatives will answer questions about various low-interest loan programs for homeowner, renters and businesses.
- The Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board (KCCRB) will provide local phone numbers for crisis counselors, as well as informative flyers explaining post-disaster stress symptoms.
Do I need to bring any information with me when I go to the DRC?
Applicants should bring their application tracking number, the address of the damaged property, insurance information, a current contact phone number and identification with them to the recovery centers.
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: Monday, 28-Jun-2004 15:43:30