Many Federal, State, And Volunteer Agencies Provide Services at DRC
Release Date: August 25, 2004
Release Number: 1539-043
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Bonnie
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A wide variety of services, provided by many agencies, are in place and available at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) now open in the areas devastated by Hurricane Charley. After a victim has applied for disaster assistance by calling the teleregistration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, a visit to a DRC may be required.
At a DRC, the applicant has access to program experts representing a wide range of services. These disaster specialists are working 12 hours a day (from 8 am to 8 pm), seven days a week, to get help to those in need.
The larger DRC’s have representatives from most of the participating partners. The smaller centers, though not as broadly staffed, can quickly refer applicants with specific needs to the appropriate source.
Federal agency partners include Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) applicant assistants, housing and mitigation advisors; U.S. Small Business Administration loan officers for those homeowners, renters and business owners issued a disaster loan application; Department of Agriculture; Internal Revenue Service; Social Security Administration and the Veteran’s Administration.
State of Florida agencies, working alongside the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), who participate in the DRC recovery effort are: the Florida Department of Children and Families; Department of Elder Affairs; Florida Crisis Research Team (crisis counseling); Florida Department of Financial Services (insurance and financial services); Florida Rural Legal Services and the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (disaster unemployment).
Volunteer Agency partners in the recovery effort include: the American Red Cross; Christian Reformed World Relief Committee; Church World Services; Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; Salvation Army; United Methodist Committee on Relief; Volunteer Organizations Active In Disaster and the Volunteer Florida Foundation.
The State Emergency Response Team is a collaboration of Florida’s emergency management agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERT’s mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. For the latest information on the hurricane relief effort, visit http://www.floridadisaster.org.
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: Sunday, 29-Aug-2004 15:01:45