Disaster recovery center is now open

Friday, May 5, 2006

SIKESTON - The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency have opened a mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Sikeston.

In an effort to speed assistance to Missouri residents affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from March 8 through March 13 the mobile Disaster Recovery Center opened today in the lobby of the Family Life Center of the First United Methodist Church.

Hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The center will be closed Sunday.

Disaster Recovery Centers are designed to provide detailed program information to those who have applied or need to apply for assistance under President Bush's March 16 disaster declaration. Representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies will be present, including customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

SBA makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed.

In addition, the SBA also makes low-interest disaster loans available to small businesses in both primary and neighboring counties that have suffered economic injury as a result of the disaster.

Before coming to the DRC, Missouri residents and business owners are encouraged to apply immediately by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-

FEMA (3362).

For people who are speech or hearing-impaired, the TTY number is 1-800

-462-7585. Telephone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT, seven days a week. People may also apply online at http://www.fema.gov.

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