FEMA's Helpline Will Keep You Connected As Disaster Recovery Centers Begin To Close 

Release Date: September 3, 2008
Release Number: 1780-031

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McALLEN, Texas -- The closing of some Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) doesn't mean you can't continue to talk one-to-one with knowledgeable Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recovery specialists about your ongoing disaster-related needs.

As the DRCs begin to close, stay in touch with FEMA by using the Helpline option at FEMA's toll-free registration line 800-621-FEMA (3362) or for the speech- and hearing-impaired TTY 800-462-7585. The Helpline is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Residents in the declared counties of Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy can continue to register for assistance or obtain general disaster information on the FEMA website, www.fema.gov if they have access to a computer. Registered applicants may use the Helpline to check on the status of their application, update their contact information, change an inspection appointment or ask other recovery questions. English, Spanish and other multilingual speaking recovery specialists can help.

The following DRC's will close at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Cameron County
Robert E. Lee Youth Center
UT Brownsville Campus
600 International Blvd.
Brownsville, TX 67529

Willacy County
American Legion
211 W. Hidalgo Ave
Raymondville, TX 7855

Cameron County
Suites at Sun Chase
1004 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, TX 78597

Face-to-face meetings with FEMA, federal and state recovery specialists will continue at the DRCs listed below through the close of business Saturday, Sept. 13. NOTE: THESE DRCs ARE CLOSED SUNDAY

Hidalgo County
Community Resource Center
509 E. Earling Road
San Juan, TX 78589

Cameron County
Harlingen Municipal Auditorium
1204 Fair Park Blvd.
Harlingen, TX 78550

Hidalgo County
La Villa Middle School
Multi-Purpose Room
500 E. 9th St.
La Villa, TX 78562

Representatives from state agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff the centers. The DRC hours of operations are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday. 

Applicants for disaster assistance should register by calling FEMA toll-free 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call TTY 800-462-7585. English, Spanish and other multilingual operators are available. Applicants who have access to a computer can register online at www.fema.gov. The deadline to register is Sept. 30.

Once registered, FEMA disaster recovery specialists can check an individual's case, answer questions about their claim, or request information FEMA needs to process their claim. Recovery specialists can also supply contacts for other programs that may be able to help.

SBA provides low-interest loans to cover the uncompensated losses for personal contents up to $40,000 for both homeowners and renters and up to $200,000 for homeowners for physical damage to their primary residence. The SBA also provides low-interest loans up to $2 million for uncompensated physical losses suffered by businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations. Additionally, working capital loans are available for economic injuries sustained by small businesses in the declared counties and the adjoining counties. The combination of the two business loans cannot exceed $2 million.

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: Thursday, 04-Sep-2008 09:26:22