Two Recovery Centers To Close, But Federal Aid Remains Available For Storm Victims 

Release Date: June 10, 2008
Release Number: 1761-022

» More Information on Georgia Severe Storms and Flooding

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Temporary Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Carroll and Johnson counties will close Thursday, according to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which jointly operate the centers. The DRCs have given victims of the May 11-12 tornadoes an opportunity to meet in person with recovery specialists. Applicants may continue to register for assistance or talk with specialists by calling FEMA and other agencies.  They can also visit one of the DRCs that remain open in Bibb County or, for information about SBA loans, one of the temporary SBA Loan Outreach Centers. A list of open centers is below.

"FEMA and GEMA continue to encourage everyone with storm losses to register for assistance and to follow up on their applications," said Deputy State Coordinating Officer Joe McKinney. "Even if you think you may not qualify, registration is simple and it's the only way to get your name into the system to qualify for aid for which you're eligible. It's not necessary to visit a DRC to register."

Georgians whose homes, businesses or personal property were damaged in the May tornadoes have until July 22 to register with FEMA either by phone or on the Internet.  The toll free number to register by phone is 800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who are speech or hearing impaired, the TTY number is 800-462-7585. Both lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT seven days a week. FEMA's Web site is at www.fema.gov.

"People can use these same phone numbers to ask questions, add information to their applications, find out how to appeal if they receive a letter of ineligibility, and obtain other assistance," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Jeff Bryant.

The DRC in Carrollton at the Carrollton Campus of West Georgia Technical College and the DRC at Johnson County School in Wrightsville will both close at 6 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, June 13, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will reopen at both these locations as SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC's). For more information on the DLOCs, see below.

Since FEMA and GEMA established the first DRCs in hard-hit Bibb County on May 25, more than 2,600 people have visited one of the 13 DRCs that were opened in the 10 counties eligible for federal assistance to individuals. More than 4,550 have registered and FEMA has provided $1.4 million in federal assistance.

As the result of a presidential disaster declaration on May 23, individuals in Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh and Twiggs counties may be eligible for federal help with damages from the May 11-12 storms.

Disaster Recovery Centers
Open Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Until Further Notice

Bloomfield Middle School
4375 Bloomfield Drive
Macon, GA 31206

Bruce Elementary School
3660 Houston Ave.
Macon, GA  31206

Small Business Administration Loans

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are the primary form of disaster assistance for uninsured losses. SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. They are available to homeowners and renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations.

FEMA has referred more than 2,500 Georgia assistance applicants to the SBA. The SBA, in turn, mailed loan applications to these individuals. If applicants wish to be eligible for some types of FEMA assistance, they must complete and return the home loan applications-even if they do not want a loan. No one is required to accept a loan.

SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center Schedule

Industrial Training Building
West Georgia Tech College
166 Independence Drive
Carrollton, GA 30116
Opening 9 a.m., Friday, June 13
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Until Further Notice

Johnson County School
150 Trojan Way
Wrightsville, GA  31096
Opening 9 a.m., Friday, June 13
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Until Further Notice

Dry Branch Fire Department
5328 Old Gordon Road
Dry Branch, GA  31020
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Closing permanently 6 p.m.
Friday, June 13

Old Douglas County Courthouse
6754 Broad Street
Douglasville, GA  30134
Closing permanently 6 p.m.
Friday, June 13 

SBA representatives at the DLOCs offer personal assistance in completing loan applications and can answer questions about SBA's loan program. SBA help is available as well by calling the SBA Helpline, 800-659-2955 or online at www.sba.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 10-Jun-2008 16:57:19