Visit A Disaster Recovery Center This Weekend
Release Date: February 16, 2007
Release Number: 1679-013
» More Information on Florida Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
» More Information on Florida Severe Storms and Tornadoes
ORLANDO, Fla. -- More than 2,200 survivors of the two recent federally-declared disasters in North Central Florida have registered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declarations cover the December 25 tornado and flooding in Volusia County and the swirl of storms that hit Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties on February 2.
While recovery and rebuilding continues, those with damages who have not yet registered are encouraged to register first then visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Disaster applicants or victims may visit any DRC in the area.
DRCs provide an opportunity for registered applicants to ask questions, gather information on state-FEMA programs, help with completing paperwork and provide rebuilding tips and advice. Six DRCs are currently operational in Lake, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties. All the centers are currently open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. DRCs will remain open on Monday, President’s Day. They are located at:
DELAND: (3 DRCs)
31039 Lake Mack Road
Wal-Mart Super Center, 1699 N. Woodland Boulevard
Victoria Square, 1706 S. Woodland Boulevard
LADY LAKE: (2 DRCs)
Laurel Recreation Center, 1985 Laurel Manor Drive
38521 Lakeview Drive
NEW SMYRNA BEACH:
Atlantic Coast Baptist Church, 1212 Conrad Drive
While at a DRC, applicants can speak to disaster specialists from FEMA and the State of Florida, obtain guidance from other federal agencies and meet representatives of volunteer groups helping people with unmet needs. Representatives from the SBA are available to answer questions about the low-interest disaster loan program and to provide help with individual applications.
Mitigation experts are also on hand who can explain flood insurance programs and offer tips on how to make a home or business safer and more disaster-resistant.
For more information or to register for assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech or hearing impaired or visit www.FEMA.gov for more information.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
Last Modified: Friday, 16-Feb-2007 16:43:12