FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Closing Thursday, Oct. 13

The FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Disaster Recovery Center in Pomona ceases operations on Thursday, October 13.  That is the last day homeowners, renters and business owners can file Individual Disaster Assistance applications in person.  After the 13th, residents and business owners will still be able to register with online and over the phone until October 31, the final registration deadline.

 The announcement of the center closing is a change from late September, when FEMA said it would continue accepting Individual Disaster Assistance applications until October 31.  As of Wednesday, September 21, the number of Individual Assistance applications filed by residents and business totaled 1,353.

Residents and business owners who have not yet filed for aid should go to the center in person. Those who have already submitted applications are also advised to visit the center before it closes to get status reports on their paperwork.

“I am urging all residents affected by Hurricane Irene to take full advantage of the recovery center in Pomona while it’s still operational,” said Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef.  “We are thankful to FEMA personnel, as well as those from other agencies set up at the center, for their knowledge and expertise in assisting our residents who experienced damages from the hurricane.”

FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center is located in the second floor community room in Provident Bank Park at 1 Provident Bank Park Drive, Pomona.  The center is open through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  After October 13th, residents can still register online or check the status of an application.  FEMA can be contacted at 1-800-621-FEMA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. That number should be called if any contact information changes for a resident or business owner.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Disaster Recovery Center to:
·       Check the status of their registration
·       Talk with disaster-assistance representatives
·       Discuss U.S. Small Business Administration’s low-interest
loans for homeowners, renters and businesses
·       Obtain information on how to reduce future damage

Other agencies assisting at the Disaster Recovery center include:
the State Department of Labor, the Small Business Administration and
a team from Mitigation that will help residents with their
flood insurance program and review damages due to mildew and mold.

For other storm recovery information, call Rockland’s
Information and Referral call center, Information Rockland, at
845-364-2020 or visit its website .

Related Topics: FEMA and Individual Disaster Assistance