Special Disaster Recovery Centers To Open  

Release Date: June 10, 2004
Release Number: 1519-005

» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) are opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Perry, Noble, Columbiana and Summit counties during the next two weeks. The centers are to assist residents and business owners who were affected by the May 18 severe storms and flooding. Representatives from FEMA, Ohio EMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other state government agencies will be at the centers to provide information on available disaster recovery assistance.

Please note each special schedule and hours of operation:

Before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, residents and business owners who suffered damages and losses due to the storms should first call FEMA to register, toll-free, at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585, for people with speech or hearing difficulties. The lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week until further notice, and must be used to register for a wide range of state, federal and voluntary disaster assistance.

Disaster recovery assistance is available to any individual without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, economic status, or disability. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, contact one of FEMA’s Equal Rights Officers at 1-800-525-0321, or contact your State Office of Equal Rights

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.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 11-Jun-2004 09:16:39