Alstead Disaster Recovery Center to Close November 22nd 

Helpline To Remain Open…State And Sba Resources Also Available

Release Date: November 17, 2005
Release Number: 1610-017

» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding

MERRIMACK, N.H. -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Alstead will cease operations at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today.

Residents with disaster-related questions will continue to be able to get answers and information about their applications by selecting the FEMA Helpline option at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For people with hearing or speech impairment, the Helpline number is 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Lines will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Applicants can also find information and register for assistance at www.fema.gov.

Residents and business-owners still can receive one-on-one assistance from representatives of the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management (BEM) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by visiting 14 River Street (the Third Congregational Church) in Alstead. The SBA will continue to run its workshops and the State will also have representatives available until further notice to explain assistance programs and answer questions from area residents who suffered losses in October’s flooding. Additionally, the toll-free telephone number for New Hampshire State Assistance Programs is 1-888-540-5605 and representatives are available from 9a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday.

“We urge any registered applicants seeking one-on-one help from FEMA representatives to visit the center before it closes,” said Peter Martinasco, federal coordinating officer for the disaster.

State Coordinating Officer Mike Poirier said visiting the center can be very helpful for people who want to learn more about risk reduction methods to lessen future losses. “Although BEM will continue to have representatives in Alstead, it’s the last chance to talk face-to-face with mitigation specialists from FEMA about your particular situation,” Poirier said.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-Nov-2005 17:39:31