Dont Leave Disaster Questions Unasked
Release Date: October 5, 2004
Release Number: 1558-033
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- There’s no need for questions arising from water or wind damage from Hurricane Ivan to go unasked. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has seven Disaster Recovery Centers open in the disaster-declared counties in West Virginia and two in neighboring Ohio where people can get answers.
Or they can call FEMA’s Help Line after registering for assistance toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.
At the FEMA centers, people have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with FEMA specialists and staff from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“There are many intricacies in providing FEMA assistance,” said Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer at the Charleston Joint Field Office. “We want to ensure that citizens entitled to assistance don’t rule themselves out without enough information.”
West Virginians are registering daily. However, a number are expressing doubt they will be eligible for various reasons.
Additionally, people damaged by Ivan who may have open claims from a prior disaster may be eligible for further assistance. Face-to-face consultations can clear up questions like these. People can go to any center in either state.
Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the West Virginia Disaster Recovery Centers are located at:
- Wellsburg Fireman’s Hall, 1121 Yankee St., Wellsburg, Brooke County.
- Millsop Community Center, 3420 Main St., Weirton, Hancock County.
- Delf-Norona Museum, 801 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, Marshall County.
- New Martinsville City Hall, 191 Main Street, New Martinsville, Wetzel County.
- Old Social Security Building, 56 16th St., Wheeling, Ohio County.
- Pleasants County Courthouse, corner of Barkwill Street and Court Lane (Off State Rt. 2), St. Mary’s; closing tomorrow evening.
- Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 6823 Sissonville Dr., Sissonville, Kanawha County; closing this evening.
The two Ohio centers are located at:
- The Belmont County Engineers Garage, 45741 Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville.
- The Washington County Courthouse, 205 Putnam St., Marietta, Ohio
All the Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
“No question is too ‘obvious’ not to be asked in person or by phone,” said Stephen S. Kappa, West Virginia’s state coordinating officer. “The answer, in fact, may surprise you.”
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Oct-2004 11:00:35