Disaster Recover Centers: One Stop Shop For Disaster Recovery
Release Date: April 8, 2006
Release Number: 1631-027
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have opened several Disaster Recovery Centers across the state to help meet the ongoing needs of those affected by the recent storms, tornadoes and flooding.
A Disaster Recovery Center recently opened in Caruthersville on Saturday April 8th. With this opening, there are eight Disaster Recover Centers open in Missouri. More than 627 Missourians have visited these centers. To date, 2,236 Missourians have registered for disaster assistance.
Visitors can talk face-to-face about recovery options with representatives from local, state and federal agencies, and voluntary organizations at the Disaster Recovery Centers. Specifically, Disaster Recovery Centers are available for visitors to:
- Ask about the status of their application.
- Receive referrals to crisis counseling, legal aid or Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
- Get help completing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loan applications for homeowners, renters or businesses and private non-profits of all sizes.
- Receive information about different types of state and federal disaster assistance.
- Receive referrals to American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs.
- Learn cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of future flooding or disaster losses.
No cash, checks, vouchers, food or clothing are distributed at federal/state Disaster Recovery Centers.
Affected Missouri residents and business owners may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For people who are speech or hearing-impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Telephone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. People may also apply online at www.fema.gov.
The following federal and state Disaster Recovery Centers are now open:
- Hickory County, University Extension, 203 Cedar (Corner of Cedar and Polk), Hermitage, Mo.
- Newton County, Calvary Baptist Church, 2650 Oak Ridge Extension (Corner Hwy. 60 and Oak Ridge
Extension, Neosho, Mo. - Cedar County, First Baptist Church, 500 Main Street, El Dorado Springs, Mo.
- Putnam County, Putnam County 4H Building, 615 N. 22nd Street, State Route 5 North, Unionville, Mo.
- Pettis County, 2001 Clarendon (Armory at the Fairground), Sedalia, Mo.
- Monroe County, 424 S. Locust (Knights of Columbus Hall), Monroe City, Mo.
- Pemiscot County, American Legion Hall, 716 Truman Boulevard, Caruthersville, Mo.
- Wright County, Senior Citizen Center, 2299 Highway M, Grovespring, Mo.
Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 a.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
RECOVERY CENTERS IN SEDALIA (Pettis County), UNIONVILLE (Putnam County) AND MONROE CITY (Monroe County) WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.
*MONROE COUNTY IS CLOSING AT THE END OF BUSINESS WEDNESDAY APRIL 12, 2006.
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: Monday, 10-Apr-2006 08:31:30