Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) To Open In Kershaw County 

(DRC in Cassatt will be open from October 21 through October 23)

Release Date: October 18, 2004
Release Number: 1566-007

» More Information on South Carolina Tropical Storm Frances

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) are working together to open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Kershaw County at the Cassatt Baptist Church. The center will enable citizens to talk face-to-face with recovery specialists from local, state and federal agencies. A presidential declaration October 7 authorized financial aid to residents who suffered damage from the multiple storms that began with Hurricane Frances on September 6 and continued through October 11.

The DRC will be open for three days:

Thursday, October 21 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 22 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 23 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Address information for the Kershaw County DRC:

Kershaw County Disaster Recovery Center
Cassatt Baptist Church Baseball Field
2604 Highway 1 North
Cassatt, SC 29032

Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week until further notice. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at http://www.fema.gov, where other valuable recovery information is also available.

“As people are putting their lives back together, the most important step is to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362),” said Michael Bolch, federal coordinating officer for FEMA’s disaster recovery efforts. “If you are calling and get a busy signal, try your call again later. Don’t get discouraged; continue to call until you get through. Non-peak calling times are evenings after 6 p.m. and on weekends.”

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, 18-Oct-2004 11:38:26