DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IN SURRY COUNTY TO CLOSE BUT HELP IS STILL AVAILABLE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
FEMA/VDEM News Desk -- (804) 217-8952
Colleen M. Hiam, SBA -- (716) 282-4612 ext. 202

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IN SURRY COUNTY TO CLOSE BUT HELP IS STILL AVAILABLE

RICHMOND, VA -- The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Community Center, 204 Enos Farm Road, Surry, will close permanently at 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct 18, but state and federal officials want residents to know that help is still just a phone call away.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) helpline number will still be available for those who have not yet applied for assistance, have questions, or, want to check on the status of their applications. The number is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. The deadline to apply is November 18, 2003.

Individuals who wish to visit any of the DRCs that remain open throughout disaster declared jurisdictions in Virginia can locate them by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for hearing and speech impaired, or visiting the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's (VDEM) website at: www.vaemergency.com.

Individuals may still apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired. The FEMA Helpline number is the same number used to register for disaster assistance, and operators can provide information on the status of an application. Both the Helpline and registration numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

FEMA and the VDEM opened the center so that people who sustained losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Isabel could meet one-on-one with disaster specialists to check the status of their application; learn about a variety of federal, state and local disaster programs; and to get information on how to prevent future damages from severe storms.

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 Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
 

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or economic status. Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against should contact the federal or state coordinating officer.