Disaster Recovery Centers Closing Saturday, April 2 At Noon, Help Still Available 

Release Date: March 30, 2005
Release Number: 1580-033

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The joint Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/State Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Logan and Crawford counties will permanently close at noon, Saturday, April 2. After this date, people who still have questions about assistance or low-interest disaster loans can call the toll-free application line - 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with hearing or speech impairment is 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until further notice. Individuals may check on the status of their application, update their current information, or request general assistance information by calling those same numbers. People can also register for assistance online at www.fema.gov. The application deadline is April 18.

For more information about SBA's disaster loan program, call the Disaster Area Office at 1-800-659-2955 or TTY 1-800-877-8339 for the speech or hearing-impaired. The filing deadline for physical damage applications is April 18, 2005.

Approximately 900 homeowners, renters, and business owners have visited one of 12 Disaster Recovery Centers operating in the affected areas. The temporary centers were established to provide detailed program information to those who have already applied for assistance. Disaster recovery specialists staff the centers to answer questions and provide information on recovery, restoration and rebuilding.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency coordinates the state's response and recovery from the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center. One of the primary focuses of the agency is to ensure that Ohio citizens are prepared to respond to and recover from an emergency or disaster and to lead mitigation efforts against the effects of future disasters. During times of disasters, Ohio EMA coordinates activities of responding state agencies and maintains liaison with similar agencies of other states and of the federal government.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 30-Mar-2005 15:08:29