After The Disaster Recovery Centers Close… 

Now What…How to Get Help for Those Still in Need

Release Date: November 18, 2005
Release Number: 1610-019

» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding

MERRIMACK, N.H. -- New Hampshire residents and business owners affected by the floods, will still be able to obtain assistance after Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are closed in Alstead, on November 18th and Keene on November 22nd according to State Coordinating Officer Mike Poirier.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Residents with disaster-related questions will continue to be able to get answers and information about their applications by selecting the FEMA Helpline option at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For people with hearing or speech impairment, the Helpline number is 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Lines will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Applicants can also find information and register for assistance at http://www.fema.gov.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA will continue to operate a Disaster Assistance Workshop in Keene to help homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the recent severe storms and flooding. The center is located at 25 Roxbury St. in Keene and will be open from Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. For individuals unable to visit the SBA in person applications may be obtained by calling 1-800-659-2955 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, seven days a week. Business applications are also available on SBA's website, www.sba.gov/disaster.

New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management (BEM)

Residents and business-owners still can receive one-on-one assistance from representatives of the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management (BEM) by visiting 14 River Street (the Third Congregational Church) in Alstead or at 25 Roxbury Street in Keene. Additionally, the toll-free telephone number for New Hampshire State Assistance Programs is 1-888-540-5605. Representatives are available from 9a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday.

"We encourage all residents and business owners in the affected counties, even if they are not sure if they qualify, to seek assistance from the available resources such as FEMA, BEM, the SBA and the various voluntary organizations that are all here to help," said Peter Martinasco, federal coordinating officer for the disaster.

Last Modified: Monday, 21-Nov-2005 13:01:37