Date Set For Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Jefferson County

Beginning Tuesday

A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center is scheduled to open in Jefferson County on Tuesday May 29, 2018. It will be located at the Brown Memorial Gymnasium on Broadway Street in downtown Madison. Mobile sites are typically opened for an operational period of three (3) days during the hours of 9:00am to 7:00pm.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have initiated disaster recovery operations following the declaration by President Donald Trump that Indiana is now eligible for federal assistance due to historic flooding Feb. 14-March 4. The Major Disaster Declaration identifies nine counties for Individual Assistance and 27 counties for Public Assistance.

Disaster Recovery Centers offer in-person support to individuals and business owners. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of Indiana are available to provide assistance to anyone filling out their applications or updating their status. Voluntary organizations are available and offer a variety of services to help survivors recover. Survivors may locate open DRCs near them at www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, (TTY) 800-462-7585. Helpline numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Additional DRCs will be opening in other parts of the state in the coming weeks. DRC information is also available on the FEMA App.

The registration process is the first step in your recovery and requires information such as insurance policies and bank information for possible direct transfer of funds. Survivors are encouraged to register before visiting a DRC.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers federal disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters. The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged property.

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways: * Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

* Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. Information on the registration process is available in ASL at: fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/videos/111546.

* Help is available in most languages. * Download the FEMA App and apply.

You may have other needs while visiting a DRC:

* If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation, please see a DRC manager when you arrive.

* Language translations are offered through Telephonic Interpretation Services in 200 languages.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing affected areas and are able to register survivors for FEMA assistance, if needed. Telephonic Interpretation Services are available in many languages to assist survivors with language needs. When residents require further assistance, the teams may refer them to a DRC.

If you have already registered, it is not necessary to visit a DRC. You may still want to go speak with a Recovery Specialist to update your status, submit documentation, or find help from the other organizations.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. For more information on Indiana’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4363 or the @FEMARegion5 Twitter account.