FEMA And Ohio To Open Disaster Recovery Center In Minerva And Byesville
Release Date: October 4, 2004
Release Number: 1556-016
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- To help meet the ongoing needs of Ohio’s severe storms and flooding victims, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) are opening three-day Disaster Recovery Centers on Friday, October 8 in Minerva and Byesville. The centers will provide an opportunity for people to talk face-to-face with recovery specialists.
The first step in receiving state and federal assistance made available under the September 19 Presidential disaster declaration is to apply by calling the toll-free FEMA number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). There
is also a special number, TTY 1-800-462-7585, for those with speech or hearing impairment. Both lines
are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice and multilingual operators are available to take calls. Officials report that the volume of calls usually drops significantly after 6 p.m.
Representatives from local, state and federal agencies will staff these joint FEMA and Ohio EMA Disaster Recovery Centers:
- Stark--Carroll County: Minerva Fire Dept., 505 East Lincoln Way (State Route 30), Minerva
Open Fri, Sat. Mon., Oct. 8, 9 & 11 only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Guernsey County: Byesville Fireman’s Assoc. Bldg. (Bingo Hall), 210 Seneca St., Byesville
Open Fri, Sat. Mon., Oct. 8, 9 & 11 only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Some of the things people can accomplish at the centers include:
- Inquiring about the status of the application they have already made by phone;
- Referrals for temporary rental assistance resources;
- Assistance completing U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan applications for homeowners, renters or business owners;
- Examining options for repairing or rebuilding in floodplains;
- Learn cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of future flooding or disaster losses;
- Receive information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance;
- Receive state and federal disaster tax assistance;
- Referrals to local agencies that provide crisis counseling
Information provided at these centers is not only useful to those who suffered damages from these storms, but anyone in the area can visit a center and find out what they can do to reduce future damages from severe storms and flooding.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland security strategy and priorities.
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: Monday, 04-Oct-2004 11:18:36