Disaster Recovery Offices Open On Columbus Day 

Release Date: October 10, 2004
Release Number: 1558-046

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

Disasters don’t take holidays off and neither do those who respond to them. All State of West Virginia and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster response offices will remain open on Columbus Day, say state and federal recovery officials.

“Our administrative offices and Disaster Recovery Centers will be open on Columbus Day, October 11,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Lou Botta of FEMA. “This is a good opportunity to visit one of our centers if you have not yet done so.”

Disaster Recovery Centers are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

Wellsburg Fireman’s Hall, 1121 Yankee St., Wellsburg, Brooke County, WV

Millsop Community Center, 3420 Main St., Weirton, Hancock County, WV

Delf-Norona Museum, 801 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, Marshall County, WV

New Martinsville City Hall, New Martinsville, Wetzel County, WV 26155

56 16th St. (Old Social Security Building), Wheeling, Ohio County, WV.

Harts Fire Department, Rt. 10, Harts, WV

Mingo County Courthouse (2 blocks from the Fire Department), 75 E. First Ave., Williamson, WV

In addition, flood mitigation representatives will be available starting Monday, October 11. They will be on hand at an 84 Lumber center, Rt. 2, Moundsville, West Virginia and at a Lowes center, 50421 Dolly Plaza Dr., St. Clairsville, Ohio, for a minimum of a week. They will be at both centers from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The mission of the representatives is to explain techniques that can lessen damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding. Brochures will be available on the National Flood Insurance Program and flood-avoidance techniques such as retrofitting.

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, 12-Oct-2004 10:07:56