Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Hancock County 

Release Date: July 17, 2008
Release Number: 1763-097

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

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opened Thursday, July 17, 2008, in Garner, in Hancock County. The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened the DRC to provide face-to-face assistance to those affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding beginning May 25 and continuing.

The new DRC is at the Garner Education Center, 325 W. 8th Street, Garner, IA 50438. It is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Sundays, until further notice.

Those seeking FEMA assistance are encouraged to register before visiting a DRC. If they visit a DRC after registering, they should not re-register because that may delay FEMA assistance. Only one registration per household is allowed. Registration is done by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or online at www.fema.gov.

FEMA disaster assistance specialists and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available at each DRC to answer questions. Other state, federal and non-profit organizations will have information at the DRC as well.

When applicants call to register, they will be asked to provide current contact information - address and phone number - their Social Security number, insurance information, a brief description of damage sustained as well as the specific location of damaged property. Direct deposit is available for those who are eligible for assistance and can provide their bank information.  Those who suffered additional storm-related damage after registering should call the toll-free registration line again to report the additional damage.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-Jul-2008 16:26:01