Disaster Recovery Centers To Move 

Release Date: September 29, 2003
Release Number: 1490-19

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Raleigh, NC - State-FEMA mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) deployed to help residents in hard-hit counties who suffered losses due to Hurricane Isabel will change positions this week. Three of them will finish operations where they are, and two will reopen in new locations.

The hours at all centers are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

"People in Hatteras, Jackson and Columbia who were affected by Hurricane Isabel should call and register now," says Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Gracia Szczech of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Then come in to our recovery centers this week to get help with any questions or paperwork. The sooner you register, the quicker we can respond."

Before visiting the centers, residents must first have applied for aid by telephone. The FEMA toll-free numbers to apply for assistance are 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- or speech-impaired.

The centers provide a chance to meet face to face with disaster recovery experts, and get personal guidance through the next steps. Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be on hand to help with low-interest disaster loan applications.

Anyone throughout the 26-county disaster declared area may visit any DRC for help. The 26 counties are Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Martin, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell and Washington.

"Even people who have no damage may want to come to a DRC," said FCO Szczech of FEMA. "Our specialists there have lots of information on how to make your home or business safe against disasters, having a family disaster plan, flood insurance, and so forth. Also, state and volunteer agencies may be able to provide assistance even if you are not eligible for any federal program."

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.

For more information about hurricane preparedness and recovery and specific information about Isabel, visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-Sep-2003 09:52:28