PEMA, FEMA Announce Disaster Recovery Center To Open In Bucks County 

Release Date: April 18, 2005
Release Number: 1587-001

» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- State and federal officials today announced the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bucks County to assist those who suffered losses and damages from heavy rains and flooding beginning April 2, 2005. The DRC will be at the following location:

New Hope Fire Station
46 North Sugan Road
New Hope

The center will open Wednesday April 20 at noon.
Thereafter, open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays.

“Applying for federal assistance by registering with FEMA is a necessary step to gain access to disaster-assistance programs,” said Adrian R. King Jr., state coordinating officer. “However, it is not mandatory for individuals to go to a recovery center.”

Representatives will be at the recovery center to answer questions about agricultural services, homeowner’s insurance, health and welfare assistance, well-water testing, crisis counseling, and senior-citizen services. Specialists from FEMA, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on disaster recovery programs.

To register with FEMA, call the toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

“Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center provides an opportunity for disaster victims to meet face-to-face with representatives from state and federal agencies and gather information about other forms of assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Tom Davies.

If you are insured, call your insurance company first then register with FEMA. Some items not covered by insurance may be covered by disaster-assistance programs.

Homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage in Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Wayne and Wyoming counties as a result of the flooding should register with FEMA for disaster assistance.

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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Apr-2005 09:29:18