Five Disaster Recovery Centers Opening In New Locations 

Residents may visit any center for information

Release Date: February 17, 2005
Release Number: 1573-026

» More Information on Indiana Severe Winter Storms and Flooding

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Five temporary Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are being opened by federal, state and county officials next week to serve the victims of the severe winter storms and flooding that occurred between January 1 and February 11. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is opening one new Disaster Outreach Center (DOC) in Lake County and DRCs will be transitioning to SBA DOCs on Monday.

The new DRCs will be opening on Monday, February 21 at 1 p.m. in locations listed below. Anyone may visit the center closest to them. You do not need a reservation or need to reside in that specific county. Locations and regular hours are listed below. (Notice varying hours in Randolph County)

Grant County
Marion Municipal Bldg
301 S. Branson St.
Marion, IN 46952
Monday: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lake County
City Hall Annex
839 Broadway
Gary, IN 46402
Monday: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Allen County
Taylor University Library
1025 W. Rudisill Blvd.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46807
Monday: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Shelby County
City Hall
44 W. Washington St.
Shelbyville, IN 46176
Monday: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Randolph County
EMA
325 S. Oak St.
Winchester, IN 47394
Monday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Recovery officials recommend that residents apply for assistance before visiting a DRC or SBA Disaster Outreach Center (DOC). Individuals can begin the application process by going online or calling the toll-free application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for hearing and speech impaired. Both numbers are available from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week until further notice. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency's website at www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available.

"Visitors to the Disaster Recovery Centers can learn what their options are for repairing or rebuilding so they don't have to face the same problems when severe winter storms or flooding strike again," said Ron Sherman, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) federal coordinating officer for the disaster.

U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) staff will also be available at the DRCs to assist victims with low-interest loan applications. Personnel at the centers can also provide disaster housing information, technical assistance on how to reduce future disaster damages, and referrals to other federal assistance programs.

"Information provided at these centers is not only useful to those who suffered damages from this winter's storms, but anyone in the area can visit a center and find out what they can do to avoid future damages from severe storms and flooding," said Phil Roberts, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) state coordinating office for the disaster.

After applying, disaster victims may visit the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists. To check on the status of their application, residents may call the FEMA Helpline at the same numbers listed above.

The new SBA Disaster Outreach Center is opening in Lake County on Monday, February 21 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at:

The Emergency Management Agency Building
2900 W. 93rd St.
Crown Point, IN 46307

After Monday, February 21, regular hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.

The following DRCs are transitioning to Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Outreach Centers (DOCs) and will continue to be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The centers will provide SBA assistance with loan information. A FEMA representative will be available to answer questions until further notice.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and effectively manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-Feb-2005 09:38:33