Disaster Recovery Centers And Helpline Will Be Closed On Sundays
Release Date: March 15, 2007
Release Number: 1685-022
» More Information on Louisiana Severe Storms and Tornadoes
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The three remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) opened to assist Louisiana residents and business owners affected by the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred Feb. 12 and 13, will be closed on Sundays beginning March 18, said officials from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The following DRCs are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Jefferson Parish, Avenue D Gym, 1200 Avenue D, Westwego
Orleans Parish, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 4128 Franklin Ave., New Orleans
Orleans Parish, St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1333 Carrollton Ave., New Orleans
Representatives from the State, FEMA and the SBA are on hand to provide homeowners, renters and business owners with information regarding the types of assistance available. SBA customer service representatives are on hand to issue disaster loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application.
The FEMA registration line is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time Monday through Saturday. Those affected by the disaster can also register online at www.fema.gov. Before visiting a DRC, individuals are urged to register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who are hearing or speech impaired.
Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the storms and tornadoes are reminded that the DRCs provide the opportunity for face-to-face contact with state and federal representatives. However, applicants can access the same FEMA disaster information by speaking to a representative at the helpline.
SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or repairing disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 15-Mar-2007 14:21:52