Disaster Recovery Centers Ready To Help Bibb County Survivors Of May 11-12 Tornadoes 

Release Date: May 25, 2008
Release Number: 1761-003

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ATLANTA, Ga. -- Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) are now available to assist Georgians affected by storms and tornadoes that occurred on May 11 and 12. Residents of Bibb County who suffered uninsured or under-insured losses will receive person-to-person assistance at the centers from specialists skilled in many disaster-related subjects.

Three centers opened on Sunday, May 25, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Beginning Monday, May 26, all centers will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. The centers are located at:

Bloomfield Middle School
4375 Bloomfield Drive
Macon, GA 31206

Bruce Elementary School
3660 Houston Avenue
Macon, GA 31206

Macon/Bibb County Fire Department, Station 105
8456 Eisenhower Parkway
Lizella, GA 31052

Disaster officials ask that before visiting the centers, people first apply for assistance by registering online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech-impaired. The toll-free numbers are available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT. Help in other languages also is available.

Once registered, FEMA disaster recovery specialists at the DRCs can check individuals’ cases, answer questions about claims, or review information FEMA needs to process claims. Recovery specialists can also supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives will be on hand at the DRCs to meet with individuals and business owners to answer any questions about the SBA’s low-interest disaster loan program for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations. These loans are to repair or replace real estate and/or personal property damaged by the May 11 storms and tornadoes.

Representatives will help complete and accept SBA disaster loan application. Anyone not able to go to a DRC should call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, at toll-free 1-800-659-2955 for information and assistance or visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan.  However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must return them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers real estate, personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-May-2008 10:14:40