FEMA And State To Open Disaster Recovery Centers
Release Date: November 23, 2002
Release Number: 1444-05
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Findlay, Ohio -- Three Disaster Recovery Centers will open on Monday, November 25, in the disaster-affected areas to serve victims of the tornadoes and severe storms, announced officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).
After calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), disaster victims may visit one of the centers to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. Representatives of local, state and federal agencies, as well as voluntary agencies, will be on hand to provide information on disaster assistance programs. Also at these short-term centers, people can learn about wind-resistant construction techniques as they begin the process of rebuilding.
The centers are scheduled to open Monday, November 25, and the hours and locations are:
Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday:10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, Thanksgiving: Closed
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fostoria
Arcade Office Bldg.
125 West North Street
(next to Fostoria museum)
Port Clinton
Ottawa County Courthouse
315 Madison Street
Van Wert
Anthony Wayne School
641 North Jefferson
(1 block W of St.Rt. 127)
"At this time in the recovery process, people are beginning to think about putting their lives back together," FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Ron Sherman said. "Right now people want information about the status of their applications for assistance or help filling out their disaster loan application. They want to know what their options are for rebuilding, so they don't have to face the same disaster problems when tornadoes and severe storms happen again."
Some of the things people can accomplish at the centers include:
- Inquiring about the status of the application;
- Referrals for temporary rental assistance resources;
- Assistance completing U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan applications for homeowners, renters or business owners;
- Receive information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance;
- Receive local, state and federal disaster tax assistance;
- Referrals to local agencies that provide crisis counseling;
- Receive referrals to American Red Cross and other voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs.
In addition, Disaster Recovery Centers give citizens and business owners the opportunity to talk with hazard mitigation specialists and discuss building and repair techniques to make their homes or commercial structures more wind and tornado resilient. Displays and technical experts will provide information on four types of safe rooms. FEMA technical publications containing well illustrated building techniques and other mitigation measures will be available to individuals who suffered damage or are building a new home.
"We want the people who are beginning to repair and rebuild after this tornado to have and use the information that will help them in the future avoid the damage and destruction they suffered on November 10," Ohio EMA State Coordinating Officer Dale Shipley said. "Remember, check with your local building officials about the proper permit process before starting to rebuild."
The first step in receiving state and federal assistance made available under the November 18 Presidential disaster declaration is to register by calling the toll-free FEMA application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). There is also a special number, TTY 1-800-462-7585, for the speech or hearing impaired. Both lines are open 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except operating hours for the Thanksgiving holiday will be: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and closed Thanksgiving.
Individuals who are unable to visit a center and have questions about disaster assistance, rebuilding or preventive measures to avoid future damages are urged to call the same numbers and select the option for "General Information."
Last Modified: Tuesday, 15-Apr-2003 16:26:52