Disaster Recovery Center Comes to Allen Parish
Release Date: December 4, 2006
Release Number: 1668-025
» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding
ALEXANDRIA, La. -- In an effort to reach out to residents in Allen Parish, a Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (MDRC) will visit the parish on Dec. 11, said officials at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
The MDRC will be located at the fire station at 808 2nd Ave. in Kinder on Monday, Dec. 11 and Tuesday, Dec. 12. The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Representatives of the state and federal agencies, including customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to answer questions and provide recovery information. The SBA makes low-interest federal disaster assistance loans available to homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations as well as to qualified small businesses that have suffered economic injury as a result of the disaster. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners. No cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers are distributed at DRCs. These centers are meant to provide information to assist in victim recovery.
Residents who were affected by the severe storms and flooding that began Oct. 16, 2006 are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 only for the hearing or speech impaired. Victims can also register online at www.fema.gov or visit a DRC to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. Even after the DRC leaves the area, you can still apply online or by phone.
FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must complete and return them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 04-Dec-2006 11:55:38