FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center To Close, But Help Continues To Be Available 

Release Date: May 15, 2006
Release Number: 1633-013

» More Information on Illinois Tornadoes and Severe Storms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Disaster Recovery Center operating in the CWLP Building, located at 1450 Groth St. in Springfield, will close operations at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, federal and state officials announced today.

Federal Coordinating Officer Ron Sherman of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) noted that "Help with questions on federal and state disaster assistance is still just a phone call away. Operators at the FEMA toll-free number are available from 8.a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday to help with many of the questions that were brought to us at the recovery centers." People may also find answers to questions by visiting FEMA's user-friendly website: www.fema.gov.

Closing the recovery centers does not mean we are closing down registrations for disaster assistance," said William Burke, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. "Illinois residents whose homes and businesses were damaged in the March 11-13 storms still have until May 27 to register with FEMA by phone or on the Internet."

With the approaching application deadline less than three weeks away, the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also urging victims that have damage from the tornadoes and severe storms to complete and return their applications. Anyone with questions about SBA's assistance should contact their Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. EDT.  Disaster victims are reminded that to be considered for federal disaster assistance, including SBA's disaster loans, they must register with FEMA first.

Those affected by this disaster should call the toll-free application line 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is May 27; therefore all those affected are encouraged to apply immediately.

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.  FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 18-May-2006 11:22:15