Federal/State Team To Open Additional Disaster Recovery Centers
Release Date: September 29, 2004
Release Number: 1556-011
» More Information on Ohio Severe Storms and Flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- To help meet the ongoing needs of Ohio’s severe storms and flooding victims, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA) are opening four more Disaster Recovery Centers in the affected areas.
Opening Thursday, September 30:
| Monroe County Clarington Union Hall 105 Union Drive Clarington, Ohio |
Perry County Crooksville Fire Dept. 22 China Street (rear) Crooksville, Ohio |
| Both open 3 days only: Thursday – Saturday, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | |
Opening Monday, October 4:
| Noble County Belle Valley Fire Department/Village Hall Main Street Belle Valley, Ohio |
Jefferson County Dillonvale Fire Department 153 Main Street Dillonvale, Ohio |
| Both open 3 days only: Monday - Wednesday, October 4 – 6, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | |
Disaster Recovery Centers currently operating, until further notice:
| Washington County Washington County Courthouse 205 Putnam Street Marietta, Ohio Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Belmont County Belmont County Engineer Garage 45741 Roscoe Road St. Clairsville, Ohio Open Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Columbiana County Columbiana County Career Center 9364 State Route 45 Lisbon, Ohio Open Monday - Friday 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
The first step in receiving state and federal assistance made available under the September 19 presidential disaster declaration is to register by calling the 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 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available to take calls.
“We continue to encourage people to visit the Disaster Recovery Centers to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists and get their questions answered,” Lee Champagne, FEMA federal coordinating officer, said.
Some of the things people can accomplish at the centers include:
- Inquiring about the status of the application they have already made by phone;
- Referrals for temporary rental assistance resources;
- Assistance completing U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan applications for homeowners, renters or business owners;
- Learn cost effective measures to reduce the impact of future flooding or disaster losses;
- Receive information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance;
- Receive state and federal disaster tax assistance;
- Referrals to local agencies that provide crisis counseling.
“Visitors to the centers can learn what their options are for repairing or rebuilding so they don’t have to face the same problems when severe storms strike again,” Dale Shipley, Ohio state coordinating officer, said. “Not only those who suffered damages from the recent flooding, but anyone in the area can visit a center and find out what they can do to avoid damages from future disasters.”
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 security strategy 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: Thursday, 30-Sep-2004 10:58:43