FEMA And Ohio To Open Disaster Recovery Center In Hammondsville
Center Provides Step-by-Step Disaster Assistance
Release Date: October 11, 2004
Release Number: 1556-024
» 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 are opening a Disaster Recovery Center for a week from Wednesday, October 13-21 in Hammondsville in Jefferson County.
The center will be located at the Saline Township Complex Building at County Road 50A and will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with additional evening hours Monday and Thursday only from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This center will be closed on Saturday and Sunday due to other prior commitments at this facility.
The first step in receiving state and federal assistance made available under the September 19 Presidential disaster declaration is to apply by calling the toll-free FEMA 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 and multilingual operators are available to take calls. With the heavy volume of calls from all the disaster activity, the best time to call is after 6 p.m.
“This Disaster Recovery Center in Hammondsville replaces the short-term center originally set up in Dillonvale,” said Lee Champagne, FEMA federal coordinating officer. “We encourage everyone affected by the recent storms and flooding to visit a Disaster Recovery Center for step-by-step help in getting assistance.”
Representatives from local, state and federal agencies will staff the joint FEMA and Ohio Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Center.
SBA Loan Assistance Center:
- Columbiana County – Columbiana County Career Center, 9364 State Route 45, Lisbon
Open Mon-Fri., 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., until further notice
Some of the things people can accomplish at the centers include:
- Inquiring about the status of the application they have already made by phone;
- Assistance completing U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loan applications for homeowners, renters or business owners;
- Examining options for repairing or rebuilding in floodplains;
- 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, and
- Receive information about the Individual and Family Grant Program.
Disaster Recovery Center locations and hours:
- Washington County: Washington County Courthouse, 205 Putnam Street, Marietta
Open Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice - Belmont County: Engineers Garage, 45741 Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville
Open Mon. – Sat., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice
These Disaster Recovery Center locations will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 11:
- Stark--Carroll County: Minerva Fire Dept., 505 East Lincoln Way (State Route 30), Minerva
Open Fri, Sat. Mon., Oct. 8, 9 & 11 only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Guernsey County: Byesville Fireman’s Assoc. Bldg. (Bingo Hall), 210 Seneca St., Byesville
Open Fri, Sat. Mon., Oct. 8, 9 & 11 only, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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: Monday, 11-Oct-2004 14:10:30