Disaster Recovery Center in Isle of Wight To Close But Help Is Still Available
Release Date: November 3, 2003
Release Number: 1491-110
» More Information on Virginia Hurricane Isabel
Richmond, VA -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located in Isle of Wight at the YMCA, 259 James Street, Smithfield, will close November 7 at 6 p.m., but state and federal officials want residents to know that help is still just a phone call away.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) toll-free registration and Helpline number is available for those who have not yet applied for assistance, have questions, or want to check on the status of their applications. The number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both the Helpline and registration numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The deadline to apply for assistance is November 17, 2003.
Individuals who wish to visit any of the DRCs that remain open throughout disaster declared jurisdictions in Virginia can locate them by calling FEMA's toll-free Helpline number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for hearing and speech impaired, or visiting the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's (VDEM) website at: www.vaemergency.com
FEMA and VDEM opened the center so that people who sustained losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Isabel could meet one-on-one with disaster specialists to check the status of their application; learn about a variety of federal, state and local disaster programs; and get information on how to prevent future damages from severe storms.
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, 03-Nov-2003 11:15:38