Three Short-Term Disaster Recovery Centers Open On Monday
Release Date: February 24, 2005
Release Number: 1580-008
» More Information on Ohio Severe Winter Storms, Flooding and Mudslides
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- To help meet the ongoing needs of Ohio disaster victims, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency are opening additional regional Disaster Recovery Centers in Circleville, Dillonvale and McConnelsville on Monday, February 28. Center locations and schedules are:
South-Central Ohio -
Memorial Hall (Conference Room)
Corner of E. Main Street & S. Pickaway
Circleville
Monday and Tuesday, February 28 and March 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
East Ohio -
Dillonvale Senior Center
46 Main Street
Dillonvale (between Martins Ferry and Steubenville )
Monday and Tuesday, February 28 and March 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Southeast Ohio-
Riecker Building (Chamber of Commerce Room)
155 Main Street
McConnelsville
Monday - Wednesday, February 28 - March 2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"At this time in the recovery process, people are beginning to think about putting their lives back together," Lee Champagne, FEMA's coordinating officer, said. "Right now people want information about the status of their applications for assistance or help filling out their SBA low-interest loan applications."
The first step toward receiving state and federal assistance made available under the February 15 Presidential disaster declaration is to register by calling the toll-free FEMA application number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). There is also a special number, TTY 1-800-462-7585, for those with speech or hearing impairment. Both lines are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice, and multilingual operators are available if needed. Registration may also be completed online at www.fema.gov .
"Visitors to the Disaster Recovery Centers can learn about their options for rebuilding so they don't have to face the same disaster problems when the storms and flooding come again," said Nancy Dragani executive director of Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA ) and state coordinating officer in the disaster recovery efforts. "Information provided at the centers is not only useful to those who suffered damages from the winter storms, but anyone in the area can visit a center and find out what they can do to reduce future damage and loss."
Individuals who are unable to visit a Disaster Recovery Center and have questions about disaster assistance, rebuilding or preventive measures to avoid future damages are urged to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 and select the option for "General Information."
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency coordinates the state's response and recovery from the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center. One of the primary focuses of the agency is to ensure that Ohio citizens are prepared to respond to and recover from an emergency or disaster and to lead mitigation efforts against the effects of future disasters. During times of disasters, Ohio EMA coordinates activities of responding state agencies and maintains liaison with similar agencies of other states and of the federal government.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 24-Feb-2005 14:31:38