CHARLESTON, W. VA. - A mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opens in Monroe county on Thursday, December 11. The mobile unit is a fully equipped bus from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The FEMA bus is staffed by FEMA and West Virginia Office of Emergency Services (WVOES) disaster recovery specialists, as part of their outreach to those who suffered losses caused by the November storms. This is a temporary DRC, which will close on Saturday, December 13. Two temporary DRCs are also operating in Calhoun and McDowell Counties.

Michael Bolch, federal coordinating officer for FEMA, said, "We encourage the residents of Monroe county to first register for assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free teleregistration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), and if they still have questions or want help completing an application, they should visit the DRC." Applicants with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Phones lines operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The location of the Monroe county DRC, the dates and hours of operation follow:

Information is available at the DRC on disaster programs, including grants to pay for temporary housing needs, minimal home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Residents and business owners may also be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

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.