Lake County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) To Relocate 

Victims of the May 25 through June 25 storms can visit new center in Gary

Release Date: July 22, 2004
Release Number: 1520-072

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The federal and state Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located in Crown Point will close Saturday, July 28, officials announced today. The DRC, currently located at the Lake County Government Center Annex, 2900 W. 93rd Ave., will close at the end of the regularly scheduled hours of 10a.m to 6:30 p.m., and relocate in Gary. The new DRC location and opening date in Gary will be announced soon.

“We are relocating the DRC in order to better serve those people affected by the May 25 through June 25 storms in Lake County,” said Justo “Tito” Hernandez, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “Residents who suffered damage as a result of the storms should register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585), but can visit a DRC for additional face to face assistance.”

Disaster victims may still register for assistance until August 2.

A wide range of programs are available which may include: assistance with rental payments for temporary housing; grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional; temporary unemployment payments; and low interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for individuals and businesses. If you have household insurance, contact your insurer as well as registering with FEMA. Federal disaster assistance may be available to help uninsured or underinsured losses or expenses.

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, 23-Jul-2004 10:30:56