Fessenden Disaster Recovery Center Now Open 

Release Date: May 22, 2009
Release Number: 1829-078

» More Information on North Dakota Severe Storms and Flooding

Bismarck, N.D. -- North Dakota residents who have been affected by the flooding that began on March 13 can now visit a Disaster Recovery Center in Fessenden, where representatives are available to help answer questions about assistance. The center is operated by the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Wells County Disaster Recovery Center's operational hours will be Monday through Saturday  9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and closed on Sundays. The center is located at:

Fessenden - Bowdon School Gym
500 North 2nd Street
Fessenden, ND 58438

"The opening of this center is an important step in helping people and businesses that have been impacted by recent flooding," said Governor John Hoeven. "The one-on-one assistance will help people identify their needs and obtain the resources they need to recover and rebuild."

Residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that began on March 13 who plan to stop by the Disaster Recovery Center are urged to register for assistance before their visit. Residents can register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 or visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov online. The registration line is open daily from 7 a.m. -  11 p.m. CDT (6 a.m. - 10 p.m. MDT) until further notice. The call is free.

"Even if you registered with the American Red Cross or other response agencies, you still need to register with FEMA to receive federal and state disaster assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Justo "Tito" Hernandez.

Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to answer questions about the SBA disaster-loan program and assist with disaster loan applications. FEMA mitigation specialists are also scheduled to be on hand at the Disaster Recovery Center to provide information and answer questions about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

Last Modified: Friday, 22-May-2009 15:17:44