Okaloosa County Disaster Recovery Center To Close 

Release Date: December 9, 2004
Release Number: 1551-183

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Spanish Trail Fairgrounds Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), at 205 Stillwell Boulevard in Century, Fl., will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11.

“A DRC’s continuing operation is based on the number of applicants who make use of the center’s services. In many instances, a slight decline in daily visits is expected,” said State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate. “However, should daily visits to a center decrease to a point where there is no longer a need to be open, the DRC will close and the staff will be moved to a location where there is a demand. We will not close a center as long as there is a need.”

Applicants in this area may visit any other DRC now operating throughout the state. They may also call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and access the helpline through its voicemail system. Much of the information available at a DRC is also provided through this toll-free service.

“We continue to monitor registration and DRC activity, “ said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Carwile. “If this information points to the need of another DRC in the future, we can set up a mobile DRC Unit there.”

Individuals and business owners are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who are speech- or hearing-impaired the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight EST.

Floridians may also register for assistance online. Those with access to a computer can enter the FEMA website at http://www.fema.gov. Look for and click on the words “Register for Disaster Assistance Online” located at the top-right side of the page in a green box.

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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Friday, 10-Dec-2004 08:23:45