Recovery Centers Open To Help Ohio Flood Victims
Release Date: June 8, 2004
Release Number: 1519-003
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio – To further help individuals who have suffered damage from severe storms and flooding that began May 18, four disaster recovery centers will open Wednesday in Athens, Cuyahoga, Medina, and Lorain counties, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) said today.
The centers will be open for one week only. The hours of operation will be:
Wednesday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday closed.
Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The centers, staffed by state and federal disaster program representatives, are intended to meet the needs of individuals who have already registered for assistance under President Bush's disaster declaration and who may have further questions about their cases.
People who had property damage can register for assistance by calling FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) between 8 a.m.. and 6 p.m. seven days a week.
No one is required to visit the centers to register for assistance, but individuals who visit them can:
- Receive information on disaster assistance programs
- Receive information about U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans and get help in completing disaster loan applications
- Get referral information for other programs, such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance
- Learn about cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of future disasters
The center locations will be:
Athens County – Rural Action Building, 19627 Walnut Street, Trimble.
Cuyahoga County – Independence Fire Department training room, 6305 Selig Drive, Independence.
Lorain County – Carlisle Township Fire Department, 11950 La Grange Road, La Grange.
Medina County – Brunswick Community Recreation Center, 3637 Center Road, Brunswick
“While no one has to visit these centers to register for government help, people who suffered damage in the spring flooding can get valuable information and assistance if they need it,” said Dale Shipley, state coordinating officer for the disaster recovery.
On March 1,2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
The Ohio EMA coordinates State assistance and resources during an emergency and prepares the state for all hazards through planning, training, exercises and funding activities at the state and local level. This includes providing assistance to individuals and administering state and federal assistance to individuals and governmental entities recovering from disaster-related damage and costs. Ohio EMA coordinates homeland security funding, weapons of mass destruction training, anti-terrorism planning and training, and assists local and state agencies determine homeland strategies and priorities.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Jun-2004 09:11:56