New DRC Daily Hours And Election Day Schedule 

Release Date: October 30, 2004
Release Number: 1539-247

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- State and federal officials announce the new hours for the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) throughout Florida. Effective November 1, 2004, the centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The Election Day schedule for the DRCs will vary. There are 44 DRCs and three Satellite Mobile Strike Units now serving residents impacted by the recent hurricanes in Florida. Two centers will be closed for elections, as they are polling sites. The remaining 42 centers will be open to serve those in need. The two centers closing because they are voting locations are:

Putnam County

Putnam County Agricultural Center
111 Yelvington Road
East Palatka 		Santa Rosa County

Santa Rosa County Auditorium
6051 Old Bagdad Highway
Milton

These centers will resume normal DRC operations Wednesday the 3rd at 8 a.m.

Floridians affected by the recent hurricanes are still 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 need and there are no alternatives available in your area, call the Florida Hurricane Housing Hotline at 1-888-472-1727.

Representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies, as well as loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be on hand to answer questions and provide recovery 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: Monday, 01-Nov-2004 10:48:24