FEMA And Indiana To Open Disaster Recovery Centers Thursday
Release Date: August 19, 2003
Release Number: 1476-37
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Kokomo, IN -- Temporary Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Evansville and Crown Point on Thursday, August 21, to serve victims of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between July 4 and August 6, announced officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
After calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, disaster victims may visit the temporary centers to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. The deadline to call and apply is Tuesday, September 9.
Representatives of local, state and federal agencies will be on hand at the centers to provide information on disaster assistance programs. Also, people who are rebuilding or making repairs can learn about ways to reduce future disaster damages.
Locations and Hours of Operation:
Lake County Emergency Mgmt. Agency
2900 West 93rd Avenue
Crown Point
Thursday - Wednesday, Aug. 21 -27 (Closed Sunday, August 24)American Red Cross Building
113 East Diamond Avenue
Evansville
Thursday - Saturday, Aug. 21 -23
Both centers will be open 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
"These joint centers will be open for a limited time only," Patrick R. Ralston, SEMA state coordinating officer, said. "We encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity to sit down with a recovery specialist and have their questions answered about disaster assistance."
Some of the things people can receive at the Disaster Recovery Centers include:
- Information about the status of the application they have already made by phone
- Referrals for temporary rental assistance resources
- Assistance completing U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan applications for homeowners, renters or business owners
- Information on cost effective measures to reduce the impact of future flooding or disaster losses
- Information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance
- Information about state and federal disaster tax assistance
- Referrals to American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs
"Visitors to the Disaster Recovery Centers can learn what their options are for repairing or rebuilding so they don't have to face the same problems when severe storms strike again," Thomas J. Costello, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, said. "Information provided at these centers is not only useful to those who suffered damages from this summer's storms, but anyone in the area can visit a center and find out what they can do to avoid future damages from severe storms and flooding."
The first step in receiving federal disaster assistance for eligible losses sustained from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred between July 4 and August 6 is to apply by calling the toll-free FEMA application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). There is also a special number, TTY 1-800-462-7585, for those with speech- or hearing-impairment. Both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, until further notice. The deadline to call and apply is Tuesday, September 9.
Individuals who are unable to visit a center and have questions about disaster assistance, rebuilding or preventive measures to avoid future damages are urged to call the same numbers and select the option for "General Information."
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: Tuesday, 19-Aug-2003 16:27:27