FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers Open Monday In Shelby County
Release Date: August 2, 2003
Release Number: 1482-03
» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, High Winds, and Heavy Rain
Nashville, TN -- Two Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will open Monday, August 4th to assist Tennessee residents and business owners who suffered losses during the July 21st and 22nd severe storms, high winds and heavy rain. The centers will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., until further notice.
The DRC locations are:
| Fairgrounds 315 So. Hollywood Street Memphis, Tenn. (Near the Children's Museum and the Liberty Bowl) |
Pyramid Building #1 Auction Avenue Memphis, Tenn. |
Applications for disaster assistance should be made first by telephone. The number to call to apply for assistance is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired.
Once citizens register by calling the FEMA toll free application hotline, they may receive a disaster assistance application packet in the mail within two to three days. Applicants can help speed the disaster assistance and recovery process by returning the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application as soon as possible, if they receive one.
Federal Coordinating Officer, Charles M. Butler, said, "Anyone affected by the July 21-22 severe weather is urged to start the application process by calling toll-free, 1-800-621-3362."
Representatives from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and FEMA will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance to applicants seeking various forms of disaster aid. Representatives of the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also will be available to assist with disaster loan applications. The SBA disaster loan program provides low interest loans to homeowners and renters, as well as businesses.
James H. Bassham, TEMA director, added, "The centers will remain open until all applicants have had an opportunity to meet with disaster officials and get answers to their questions about the various assistance programs available to them."
"On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration."
Last Modified: Monday, 04-Aug-2003 12:56:04