Disaster Recovery Centers Begin New Hours Of Operation
Release Date: February 16, 2005
Release Number: 1539-375
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- Beginning Monday, Feb. 21, all Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) statewide will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time), Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Mobile DRC units provide disaster registrants in the areas they serve with an opportunity to check on the status of their applications and meet with federal and state disaster program representatives. Loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration can assist with disaster loan applications. An applicant may visit any one of the 23 fixed-site and nine Mobile DRC units now open.
Those affected by the hurricanes of 2004 are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired. Both numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The deadline to apply is 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28. After applying, those who have questions may visit a center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.
Floridians may also register for assistance online. Those with access to a computer should enter the FEMA website at www.fema.gov. Look for and click on the words "Register for Disaster Assistance Online" located in the upper right-hand column in a green box.
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: Thursday, 17-Feb-2005 09:03:57