Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Jenkins, Johnson and Laurens Counties
Release Date: May 28, 2008
Release Number: 1761-006
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ATLANTA, Ga. -- Starting at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 29, anyone with losses from the early May tornadoes can get in-person help at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Jenkins, Johnson and Laurens counties. Officials from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that centers are opening in those three counties to help affected Georgians access various disaster recovery programs. A complete list of new locations is below.
"At the DRCs, people can get their questions answered about registration for disaster assistance, learn techniques for rebuilding stronger and safer, obtain help applying for low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans and find other information about programs that may be useful to help them get back on their feet," said State Coordinating Officer Joe McKinney.
Three centers are already operating in Bibb County and one in Carroll County. Officials expect centers to open soon in additional counties. Individuals may obtain assistance at a center in any county.
FEMA officials encourage affected homeowners, renters and business owners, if possible, to register for assistance before they visit a DRC. FEMA's toll free telephone registration and help line, 800-621-FEMA (3362), is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time seven days a week. For speech- or hearing-impaired applicants, the TTY number is 800-462-7585. Applicants can register online any time at www.fema.gov.
"We urge everyone with losses from these storms to register for assistance now," said Jeff Bryant, the federal official leading FEMA's response in Georgia. "FEMA can't duplicate benefits from insurance, but there may be losses that aren't insured. Registration is the only way to assure you receive all the aid for which you're eligible to help you recover from the disaster."
Federal disaster assistance can include grants for short-term rental needs, for homeowners to make repairs and for a variety of other disaster-related expenses. Grants cover basic needs only and will not normally compensate storm victims for their entire loss.
Low-interest SBA loans may be available to pay for repair, rebuilding or replacement of property not fully covered by insurance. SBA representatives are at all DRCs to answer questions, provide applications and assistance completing them, and to accept completed applications. For more information about disaster loans call SBA at 800-659-2955 or visit the website at www.sba.gov.
Individuals in 10 Georgia counties may be eligible for federal help with damages from the May 11-12 storms as the result of a presidential disaster declaration on May 25. The counties are Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh and Twiggs.
Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Thursday, May 29
Operating Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Jenkins County
Jenkins County Senior Citizens Center
928 East College Ave.
Millen, GA 30442Johnson County
Johnson County School
150 Trojan Way
Wrightsville, GA 31096Laurens County
East Laurens Primary School Gym
U.S. Highway 80 East
Dublin, GA 31027
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, 29-May-2008 08:31:14