Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available 

Release Date: October 2, 2002
Release Number: 1432-20

» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Ladysmith, WI -- State and federal disaster recovery officials announced today that the Disaster Recovery Center on the Mount Senario College Campus at 1500 College Avenue West in Ladysmith will close this Friday, October 4. Beginning on Monday, October 7, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will open an SBA Workshop in the same space to assist people applying for low-interest disaster assistance loans.

The Disaster Recovery Center, open since September 18 to serve area homeowners, renters and business owners will be in operation on Thursday, October 3 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Friday during the same hours. Those who have called FEMA to apply for disaster assistance are encouraged to visit the Center before it closes to talk with recovery specialists about the various programs and services available, to check on the status of their applications and to learn about mitigation techniques in repair and rebuilding to lessen the risk of damage in future severe weather.

Federal officials encourage those who need assistance in completing SBA loan applications to take advantage of the expertise offered by SBA representatives at the workshop. The workshop will remain open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday until further notice.

Following the close of the Disaster Recovery Center on Friday, people may call one of FEMA's toll-free numbers, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired, with any questions about disaster assistance, mitigation projects or their application status.

Disaster recovery officials remind all those in disaster-declared counties who suffered damage or loss in the recent disaster to contact FEMA to begin the application process for assistance. "Applying by phone is the quickest, most efficient way to get what you may be eligible for in the way of recovery assistance," says Gracia Szczech, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. "The State and the federal government stand ready to help, but that help begins with your call - to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)."

Last Modified: Thursday, 31-Jul-2003 12:50:05