Bismarck Disaster Recovery Center Will Close Friday 

Release Date: April 29, 2009
Release Number: 1829-044

» More Information on North Dakota Severe Storms and Flooding

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Bismarck Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Gateway Fashion Mall, will close on Friday, May 1. Area residents who have been affected by the flooding that began on March 13 have until the close of business on Friday to speak to a disaster assistance specialist there about recovery programs, as well as getting information and help filling out loan applications.

Disaster officials from the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remind residents that it is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance. The fastest way to register with FEMA is by phone or online.

Residents who plan to stop by the DRC are urged to register for assistance before their visit.

Even though the Bismarck center is closing that does not mean FEMA is leaving. FEMA will continue to be accessible to area residents who have not yet registered, or have questions about their application or FEMA programs by calling toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA or TTY 1-800-462-7585, or go online at www.disasterassistance.gov. The registration line is open daily from 6 a.m. - midnight CDT until further notice. The call is free. The registration deadline for disaster assistance is June 9. The Bismarck Disaster Recovery Center will be open from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. The center is located at the

Gateway Fashion Mall
2700 State St., Suite F5
Bismarck, Burleigh County

Visitors can enter at the Northside entrance.

Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program and assist with disaster loan applications.

Even with the closing of the DRC, SBA disaster help and information will continue to be available by emailing at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or calling SBA's Customer Service Center at   (800) 659-2955, or visiting SBA's website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877-8339. Individuals may also access SBA's online Electronic Loan Application (ELA) at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.  

FEMA Mitigation specialists will also be accessible at the DRC to provide information and answer questions about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

Last Modified: Thursday, 30-Apr-2009 14:33:45