FEMA and Minnesota to Open Temporary Disaster Recovery Centers Next Week 

Release Date: July 20, 2000
Release Number: 1333-09

» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms, Flooding And Tornadoes

Minneapolis, MN -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management (DEM) will make temporary Disaster Recovery Centers available next week in Preston and Austin.

The location and days of operation are: the Fillmore Central Elementary School, 700 Chatfield Avenue in Preston (use West parking lot and SW entrance door) on Tuesday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and, the National Guard Armory in Austin at 800 21st Street Northeast on Wednesday and Thursday, July 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

"These temporary centers will be available to offer residents a chance to sit down and talk face-to-face with recovery specialists after they have called to make application for disaster assistance," said Ted Monette, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. "A variety of federal, state and voluntary agency programs are available for homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the disaster," he added. "Now is the time for people in southeast Minnesota to find out more about the help that's available to assist in their recovery."

Each center will provide information and personnel from the Minnesota Departments of Health, Economic Security, Natural Resources (Waters Division), and Public Safety (Division of Emergency Management) and the Housing Finance Agency. FEMA will provide information on individual assistance programs. The U.S. Small Business Administration will have personnel available to handle questions about disaster home and business loans.

Disaster recovery officials urge anyone who suffered loss or damage in the severe storms between May 17 and July 12 to call FEMA's toll-free application number at 1-80-462-9029. Those with a hearing or speech impairment may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Last Modified: Thursday, 13-Nov-2003 13:04:45