Bismarck Disaster Recovery Center Now Open
Release Date: April 14, 2009
Release Number: 1829-020
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Bismarck, N.D. – North Dakota residents who have been affected by the flooding that began on March 13 can now visit the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) if they have questions about recovery programs. The Bismarck DRC, located at the Gateway Fashion Mall, has recovery program representatives available to help answer questions about assistance.
"The DRC is set up for residents who like to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives, but it's not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance,' said Director of NDDES Greg M. Wilz. "The fastest way to register with FEMA is by phone or online."
Officials plan to open DRCs in additional counties this week.
"Even if you registered with the American Red Cross or other response agencies, you still need to be registered with FEMA to receive federal and state disaster assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Justo "Tito" Hernandez.
Residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that began on March 13, who plan to stop by the DRC, are urged to register for assistance before their visit. Residents can register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 or visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov online. The registration line is open daily from 6 a.m. – midnight CDT until further notice. The call is free.
The Bismarck DRC will be open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. until further notice. The Burleigh County DRC is located at:
Gateway Fashion Mall
2700 State St., Suite F5
Bismarck, ND 58501
Visitors can use the north side entrance of the mall.
Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available to answer questions about the SBA disaster-loan program and assist with disaster loan applications.
FEMA Mitigation specialists are scheduled to be on hand at the DRC to provide information and answer questions about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 14-Apr-2009 09:09:04