Mobile Disaster Recovery Center To Open In Stafford County  

Release Date: October 10, 2003
Release Number: 1491-62

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

Richmond, VA -- A mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Oct. 13 through Oct. 16 in Stafford County to assist individuals in disaster-affected communities who suffered losses and damages from Hurricane Isabel.

Stafford County Government Center
1300 Courthouse Road
Stafford, VA 22555

The DRC will be open Monday, Oct. 13, through Thursday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mobile DRCs provide a way for FEMA recovery specialists to travel from place to place, reach individuals in remote areas and offer them the opportunity to apply for disaster assistance. Residents of localities that have been declared disaster areas can visit any DRC.

The DRC is designed to provide more detailed program information to people who have already applied for assistance by registering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Nov. 17, 2003.

For a list of DRCs currently open in Virginia, call FEMA's toll-free Helpline at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's (VDEM) Web site at: www.vaemergency.com.

Representatives from FEMA, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), other federal and state agencies, as well as voluntary organizations will be available to provide information on disaster recovery programs. Additionally, the SBA will be available to help individuals fill out applications for low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Friday, 10-Oct-2003 15:37:06