PEMA, FEMA Announce Mobile Disaster Recovery Center To Open In Bradford County 

Release Date: April 21, 2005
Release Number: 1587-005

» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- State and federal officials today announced the opening of a mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bradford 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:

Bradford County Emergency Operations Center
Pine Grove Road, Off Rt. 6
Towanda

The center will open Saturday April 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thereafter, open Monday, April 25 through Wednesday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Sunday April 24.

“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 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“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.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 21-Apr-2005 09:30:11