Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Stephenson And Winnebago Counties 

Release Date: September 5, 2007
Release Number: 1722-003

» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding

ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have established Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Stephenson and Winnebago Counties for residents who suffered damages from recent severe storms and flooding.

The DRCs will open Thursday, Sept. 6 at the following locations:

Lincoln Mall
1255 W. Galena Ave.
Freeport, IL  61032

Pioneer Parking Deck
315 N. Main St. (across from the Coronado Theater)
Rockford, IL  61101

The hours of the DRCs are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time) Monday - Saturday until further notice.

DRC staff can answer questions about registration for disaster assistance and hazard mitigation, help with disaster loan applications and provide information and contacts for other programs. 

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the recent severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register for assistance by calling the telephone registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) which is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time) seven days a week.

For applicants with special speech or hearing needs, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Applicants also may register on-line at www.fema.gov. Residents are encouraged to register prior to visiting a DRC.

SBA representatives at the DRC will meet individually with each applicant to provide assistance in completing their disaster loan application, answer any questions about SBA's disaster loan program, and accept completed disaster loan applications. 

SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not fully covered by insurance. The SBA may loan up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Up to $1.5 million is available for uncompensated business disaster losses.

Residents and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and help with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visiting the SBA website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.

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, 06-Sep-2007 11:34:12