One New, One Previous DRC Added To Operations 

Release Date: September 15, 2004
Release Number: 1539-112

» More Information on Florida Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Frances

ORLANDO, Fla. -- State and federal officials announce the opening of a new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in St. Lucie County. The Charlotte County DRC, on the Gulf Coast, also resumes operations today. There are now 18 centers assisting those affected by hurricanes Charley and Frances.

St. Lucie County (new)
K-Mart, City Center DRC
9300 US 1
Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Charlotte County (resuming operations)
Winn Dixie Parking Lot DRC
27680 Bermont Road
Punta Gorda, Fla.

Disaster victims are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For the speech or hearing impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Applicants who have questions about assistance may visit any center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.

All centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. An applicant may visit any one of the 18 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). If, for example, an applicant from Brevard County goes to Charlotte County, he or she can be assisted at the Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda DRC.

Representatives of local, state and federal agencies, as well as volunteer agencies, will be on hand to provide program and service information. Loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration can answer questions and provide disaster loan information.

Written materials about various assistance programs are also available at the DRCs for individuals and business owners.

The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Florida’s emergency management agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief effort.

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: Wednesday, 15-Sep-2004 17:00:10