Closing Schedule For Disaster Recovery Centers  

Release Date: October 4, 2004
Release Number: 1550-017

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GAUTIER, Miss. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announce the closing schedule for the three remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) currently open. Thus far, more than 3,800 people have visited DRCs that were open throughout the affected areas.

Those who would like to visit a DRC for disaster information may go to any one of the open centers listed below until the closing date. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Harrison County
Hubert Wilson Recreation Center
3625 Hancock Ave.
Gulfport, MS
Closing: Wednesday, Oct. 6

George County
Senior Citizen Building
7109 Hwy. 198 East
Lucedale, MS
Closing: Thursday, Oct. 7

Jackson County
Jackson County Sheriff’s Reserve Bldg.
Fairgrounds off Vega St.
Pascagoula, MS
Closing: Friday, Oct. 8

Representatives from FEMA, the State of Mississippi, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the DRCs to provide information on disaster recovery programs, help an applicant check on the status of their application, or provide volunteer agency information. Additionally, SBA will be available to help fill out applications for low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

Before going to a DRC, individuals should contact their insurance company and then call FEMA’s toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance. People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Financial payments, as well as food and clothing, are not provided at any DRC.

After the DRCs close, those who want to check on the status of their application, change application information or get further disaster assistance information can do so by calling FEMA’s toll-free Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 and choosing option two. The Helpline option is available from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Oct-2004 10:41:51