Disaster Recovery Center To Open In The Tri-Cities Area 

Release Date: October 8, 2003
Release Number: 1491-53

» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel

Richmond, VA - A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in Petersburg to assist those in the Tri-Cities area who suffered losses and damages from Hurricane Isabel.

VFW Building
1925 Johnson Road
Petersburg, VA 23805

The DRC hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Residents of localities that have been declared disaster areas can visit any DRC.

For a list of DRCs currently open in Virginia call FEMA's toll-free Helpline at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's (VDEM) Web site at: www.vaemergency.com

Individuals can still register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Nov. 17, 2003.

Representatives from FEMA, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), other federal and state agencies, as well as voluntary organizations will be available to provide information on disaster recovery programs. Additionally, the SBA will be available to help those affected fill out applications for low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 08-Oct-2003 12:56:56