Federal Information Centers Open 

Release Date: November 19, 1999
Release Number: 3140-03

» More Information on California Extreme Fire Hazards

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- To make it easier for fire victims to understand the recovery process, and get information about the various federal assistance available, federal information centers will open in the affected areas.

The information centers will be situated in the disaster offices already opened by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These centers are designed to be a centralized information source for those affected by the August through October wild fires. In addition, those in need of temporary housing assistance can apply for assistance by phone by calling the FEMA registration line.

Those affected by the fires may be eligible for two forms of federal assistance: disaster loans and temporary housing:

Low-interest SBA loans are designed for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes for the repair, replacement or rebuilding of disaster-damaged property.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) temporary housing assistance provides funds for those whose homes were destroyed or made unlivable as a result of the fires. The program provides funding for temporary accommodations or minimal home repairs to make a property safe, secure and habitable.

Those needing temporary housing assistance, and who live in Butte, San Bernardino, Shasta or Yuba counties may register by phone by calling the toll-fee registration number, Monday through Saturday,

7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PST) at 1-800-462-9029 (TTY 1-800-462-7585). The teleregistration number is the fastest and easiest way for fire victims to apply for FEMA assistance. As of Thursday, Nov. 18, 75 persons in the affected counties have registered for FEMA assistance.

The centers will also have information available on how to protect your home and property from future disasters, and details on Project Impact, a nation-wide effort to develop disaster-resistant communities. The centers' hours and days of operation will vary.

The information centers (located within SBA Disaster offices):

Butte County
Chico America Red Cross, 1909 Esplanade (intersection of W. 9th Ave.) Mondays, Nov. 22 and Nov. 29, and Thursday, Dec. 2 (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Oroville
Butte County Administrative Center, 25 County Center Dr. Tuesdays, Nov. 23 and Nov. 30 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.); Wednesdays, Nov. 24 (8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.) and Dec. 1 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

San Bernardino County
Apple Valley Mariana Elementary School, 10601 Manhasset Rd. Mondays, Nov. 22 and 29 (noon - 5 p.m.); Tuesdays, Nov. 23 and 30 (8 a.m.- 5 p.m.); and Wednesdays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 (8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

Shasta County
Redding Superior California Economic Development District, 737 Auditorium Dr.

(Until further notice):
Every Tuesday (noon - 6 p.m.), every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), every Saturday (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

Special Thanksgiving week hours:
Monday, Nov. 22, Tuesday, Nov. 23 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.), and Saturday, Nov. 27 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Closed Wednesday, Nov. 24, Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26.

Yuba County
Dobbins California Department of Forestry Fire Station, 9946 Marysville Rd. Monday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Dec. 3 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-Dec-2003 09:33:15