Release Date: April 8, 2005
Release Number: 1545-344
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Since the first Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opened in Charlotte County on August 17, 2004, 150 centers have assisted 581,712 disaster assistance applicants with damages and losses from the recent hurricanes. Presently, nine DRCs are open throughout the state, providing applicants with needed information and services.
“We will not close a center as long as there is a need,” says State Coordinating Officer Craig Fugate. A DRC’s continuing operation is based on the number of applicants who make use of its services. The St. Lucie County Disaster Recovery Center is located at K-Mart, City Center DRC, 9300 US 1, Port St. Lucie, Fla. Those who have questions may visit the center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) continue to review DRC needs and activity on a daily basis. The goal is to ensure that all who require a center’s services and information will have access to a DRC. Listings of all DRCs presently open are included below.
All centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time), Monday through Friday, until further notice. Representatives of state and federal agencies, as well as loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Mitigation personnel can provide applicants with valuable information and advice on how to rebuild a damaged home or structure safely.
Individuals and business owners who have applied for assistance can receive further information by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For those who are speech- or hearing-impaired the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. They may call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT. For information on SERT go to www.floridadisaster.org ; For FEMA, go to www.fema.gov
Brevard County |
Indian River County Indian River County Main Library DRC 1600 21 st Street Vero Beach, Fla. 32958 |
Polk County Eagle Ridge Mall DRC 451 Eagle Ridge Drive, Unit 308 Lake Wales, Fla. 33853 |
Charlotte County Dion Building DRC 4356 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, Fla. 33980 |
Orange County Nicor Building DRC 1602 Goldenrod Drive Orlando, Fla. 32793 |
St. Lucie County K-Mart, City Center DRC 9300 US 1 Port St. Lucie, Fla. 34952 |
Escambia County |
Palm Beach County |
Volusia County |
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Florida’s state agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impacts. Visit www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief efforts.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 08-Apr-2005 17:33:34