Grovespring Disaster Recovery Center To Close 

Release Date: April 20, 2006
Release Number: 1631-041

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Grovespring, Missouri, operated jointly by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will close on Saturday, April 22, 2006, at 7 p.m.

The center, located at the Grovespring Senior Citizens Center, 2229 Highway M, Grovespring, Missouri in Wright County is staffed by federal and state officials that have provided information and answered questions for residents who registered for disaster assistance.

After the center closes, registrants can still get answers to their questions or learn about the status of their FEMA applications by choosing the Helpline option at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or calling (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Recovery specialists are available to take calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., CDT, seven days a week until further notice.

SBA information and application forms are available by calling toll free 1-800-659-2955 or calling (TTY) 1-800-877-8339. Individuals may mail completed applications to SBA at 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. For additional information about SBA’s programs, visit their website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

"Help with questions on federal and state disaster assistance is just a phone call away," said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. Costello of FEMA. "Operators at the toll-free numbers are ready to help with many of the questions that were brought to us at the assistance centers."

"Homeowners, renters and business owners interested in federal and state disaster assistance must register with FEMA by calling the toll-free numbers or online at www.fema.gov, even if they have already reported their losses to city or county officials," said State Coordinating Officer Ron Reynolds of SEMA. "We want to make sure everyone registers who may be eligible for assistance."

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 20-Apr-2006 08:40:58