Disaster Recovery Center To End Operation In Bexar County 

Release Date: October 6, 2008
Release Number: 1791-088

» More Information on Texas Hurricane Ike

AUSTIN , Texas -- The FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center in San Antonio , Bexar County , will end operations at the close of business Tuesday, Oct. 7. The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Tuesday at the old Big Lots store, 5455 Evers Road , San Antonio.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) jointly run the recovery centers to assist Texans whose losses and property damage were the direct result of Hurricane Ike. Since the center opened in September, close to 1,900 residents received face-to-face assistance.

"It is important for residents to know that even though the local DRC is closing, you can still contact FEMA for information through its toll-free telephone number," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun. "We are committed to making sure every Texan gets every ounce of help available."

Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman underscored Haun's view . "More than 600,000 people have applied for disaster assistance and we want them to follow through with the process by staying in touch with FEMA through its helpline," she said.

Although the center is closing, residents will be able to apply or follow up on their applications by going online to www.fema.gov , or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Residents should register only once; duplicate registrations may cause delays in the delivery of assistance.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repair and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also are available for homeowners, renters and business owners for losses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Information about recovery centers still open is available at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/dr1791_drc_list.htm .

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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 08-Oct-2008 22:31:53