New Mobile DRC Opens In Calhoun County 

Release Date: October 29, 2004
Release Number: 1545-155

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- State and federal officials announce the opening of a mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Calhoun County for Floridians impacted by recent hurricanes. The DRC will open on Saturday, October 30, at 8:00 a.m. There are 44 DRCs now serving residents affected by the hurricanes in Florida's Peninsula and Panhandle areas.

This mobile unit is the third of three, known as the Mobile Strike Units, to serve Washington, Bay and Calhoun counties. The unique nature of these mobile units is that they will move on a weekly basis in order to serve all three counties adequately.

Calhoun County Mobile DRC #300
Mobile #300
Calhoun County Library
17731 NE Pear Street
Blountstown, Florida 32424

This DRC provides disaster assistance to registrants from Washington, Bay, and Calhoun counties with an opportunity to check on the status of their applications and meet with federal and state disaster program representatives, as well as loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Those impacted by recent hurricanes 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. After applying, those who have questions may visit a center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.

If there is an immediate housing need and there are no alternatives available in your area, call the Florida Hurricane Housing Hotline at 1-888-472-1727.

All centers are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until November 1, 2004. Effective the first of November, the centers will operate 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. six days a week, Monday through Saturday. An applicant may visit any one of the 44 DRCs statewide.

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: Friday, 29-Oct-2004 16:12:39