Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Announces Opening of Seven Disaster Recovery Centers

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today announced the opening of seven Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) established to help residents and businesses as they rebuild from the recent storms and flooding.

"These centers will serve as a one stop shop for our residents who are cleaning up from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.  There will be representatives from FEMA as well as state government available to answer questions and help people with the assistance process," said Corbett.  "We know that residents need to begin rebuilding as soon as possible so the DRCs will be open as of 1 p.m. today."

Each DRC will have FEMA Individual Assistance Specialists on hand to help residents with their claims, FEMA Mitigation Specialists to help those who are cleaning up to ensure they are doing so correctly and completely, and representatives from the Small Business Administration who provide loans to small businesses but also to low income homeowners and renters who qualify.

Representatives from approximately 15 state agencies will be available to answer questions regarding issues including mental health counseling, driver's license replacements, emergency food program resources, farm damage, and much more.

"We are continuing to assess damage throughout the commonwealth as a result of these disasters and as we do so more DRCs may be opening," said Corbett.  "We will ensure resources are available for all who need them and that these centers are open as long as they are needed in our communities."

Corbett reminded residents with insurance to be certain to contact their insurance agent and file a personal claim before contacting FEMA. Additionally, anyone planning to come to a DRC should register with FEMA first, this will make their visit significantly more productive and efficient.

Applicants may visit any DRC regardless of where they live or work. Online registry is available at DisasterAssistance.gov or via web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, you can also register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. Operators are available seven days a week between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

When applying applicants should have the following information available:

• Social Security Number (including spouse)
• Private insurance information, if available
• Address and zip code of the damaged property
• Directions to the damaged home or property
• Daytime telephone number and current mailing address

Media contact: Kelli Roberts, 717-783-1116

Editor's Note: A list of current DRC locations is below.

Wyoming County
Tunkannock Area School District Administration Office
41 Philadelphia Avenue
Tunkhannock, PA 18657

Bradford County
Towanda Fire Department
101 Elm St., Towanda PA 18848

Luzerne County Community College
1334 South Prospect Street
Nanticoke, PA 18634

Dauphin County
Harrisburg East Mall
3501 Paxton Street
Harrisburg, PA 17111

Lycoming County
740 Fairfield Road
Montoursville, PA 17754

Columbia County Agricultural Center
702 Sawmill Road
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Sullivan County at Loyalsock State Forest District Office
6735 RT. 220
Dushore, PA 18626

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor