Disaster Recovery Centers Open to All Applicants with Storm Damage

MADISON, Wis., June 23, 2008 -- Regardless of where they live, Wisconsin residents with storm damage who have applied for federal disaster assistance may visit any Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) now have seven DRCs open in storm-damaged southern Wisconsin counties (see attached listing) and will open more in the near future.

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The DRCs are set up to help individuals and business owners who are registered for disaster assistance by answering questions and providing them with information on FEMA disaster programs. SBA customer service representatives can help explain the federal low-interest disaster loan program to homeowners, renters and business owners. Representatives from other state, federal and volunteer agencies also may be able to assist the applicants.

No cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers are distributed at DRCs. The centers provide information to assist residents with the disaster-recovery process.

Before visiting a DRC, residents are urged to register with FEMA online at www.fema.gov or by calling one of the 24-hour-a-day toll-free numbers, 1-800 621 FEMA (3362) or for the hearing- or speech-impaired, TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Residents of 22 Wisconsin counties may be eligible for disaster assistance for losses and damages caused by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Kenosha, Marquette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties since June 5.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Source: FEMA