FEMA And State To Open Disaster Recovery Centers
Release Date: May 19, 2003
Release Number: 1469-04
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Springfield, IL -- Three Disaster Recovery Centers will open on Thursday, May 22 to serve Illinois victims of the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred May 6 through May 11, announced officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).
After calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), disaster victims may visit the short-term centers to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. Representatives of local, state and federal agencies will be on hand 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:
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Metroplis Community Center |
Cincinnati Township Building |
Lima Fire Station |
Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
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"At this time in the recovery process, people are beginning to think about putting their lives back together," Ron Sherman, FEMA's federal coordinating officer, said. "Right now people want information about the status of their applications for assistance or need help filling out their disaster loan applications. They want to know what their options are for rebuilding, so they don't have to face the same problems when severe storms strike again."
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
- Referral information for other programs, such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance
- Local, state and federal disaster tax assistance
- Referrals to American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs
- Information about wind-resistant building techniques to reduce the impact of future severe weather
"These centers will be open for a limited time," William C. Burke, IEMA state coordinating officer, said. "We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to have their questions answered about disaster assistance and learn what they can do to avoid damages from severe storms and tornadoes in the future."
The first step in receiving state and federal assistance made available under the May 15 Presidential disaster declaration is to register 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 the speech or hearing impaired. Both lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.
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."
Last Modified: Wednesday, 21-May-2003 11:14:13