Disaster Recovery Center Closes In Hickman County 

Release Date: March 6, 2008
Release Number: 1745-025

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Hickman County Disaster Recovery Center, jointly operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), will close its doors on Saturday, March 8.

The center, which provides one-on-one assistance for county residents who were directly affected by the Feb. 5-6 tornadoes and storms, will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 118 Church St. in Centerville through Saturday.

"The Disaster Recovery Centers begin the process that leads to long-term recovery by individuals," said TEMA Director James Bassham. "At this time, the Disaster Recovery Center has successfully served the storm victims of this county and we can stand it down."

According to Federal Coordinating Officer Gracia Szczech, FEMA's Individual Assistance program "already has approved nearly $246,000 to help Hickman County residents with housing and other disaster-related needs."

Although the center is closing, Szczech said FEMA's community relations staff will continue reaching out to individuals in Hickman County and FEMA inspectors will continue visits to damaged property. Residents will be able to apply or follow up on their applications by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 or by going online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan.  However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

All FEMA assistance is subject to eligibility criteria and may vary from disaster to disaster. SBA eligibility criteria are applied to all applicants. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan are reviewed for grant assistance in compliance with the limits established by the state.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 800-323-8603.

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: Thursday, 06-Mar-2008 11:43:55