Disaster Recovery Center will Close as Registration Ends 

Clinton County residents, others affected by storms, urged to register quickly.

Release Date: August 6, 2007
Release Number: 1708-030

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Flooding

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- This Friday, two significant events occur simultaneously: Registration for Missouri disaster assistance ends and the Clinton County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Lathrop will close.

Assistance to households in Clinton County was authorized after other declared counties in Missouri. Anyone affected by the severe storms and flooding of May 5-18 who hasn't registered for disaster aid needs to take immediate action. The registration deadline also applies to disaster victims in the declared counties of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Holt, Jackson, Lafayette, Livingston, Morgan, Nodaway, Osage, and Platte counties.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are operating the DRC at the Lathrop Community Center, 406 Elm St., Lathrop, Mo. 64465. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 10.

Disaster victims, whether insured or not, are urged to register for assistance before visiting the DRC by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing- or speech impaired. Victims can also register online at www.fema.gov.

At the DRC, representatives of the state, federal, and voluntary agencies are available to answer questions and provide recovery information. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners. No cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers are distributed by FEMA at the DRC. This center is for the dissemination of information to assist in victim recovery.

Friday is also the deadline for returning the U.S. Small Business Administration applications included in disaster registration packets. The SBA loan application is an important part of the process in registering and helps the SBA and FEMA determine additional assistance that may be available.

Disaster registrants receiving the SBA packet should return it immediately even if there is no intention to take out a loan. The loan decision is a key step in determining eligibility for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

SBA representatives will be at the DRC to explain how low-interest disaster loans can help. Representatives will meet with applicants one-on-one and assist them in filling out their loan applications.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Monday, 06-Aug-2007 08:05:35