Contributed Report

REGION-Mobile state FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Hale and Marengo counties after completing stays in Greene and Choctaw Counties. The DRC’s will open at noon the first day, after which the hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The new locations will be Hale County, which opened on Oct. 6 and is located at the Hero Housing Resource Center. The other location opened Monday in Marengo County and will remain open through Oct. 15. The Marengo DRC will be located at the Linden National Guard Armory on East Coates Avenue.

FEMA officials encourage those wishing to obtain information to call the toll free registration and helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired should call 1-800-462-7585.

The mobile centers, staffed by State and Federal Emergency Management Agency recovery specialists and U.S. Small Business Administration loan officers, have telecommunication and network computer links to assist registrants.

The DRC staff is available to meet one on one with disaster survivors to explain various programs, help with paperwork and track or update application information. It is important to first call and register for assistance before visiting DRC. The lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Registration is available online at www.fema.gov.

Applicants are reminded to bring their FEMA registration number and Social Security number when visiting a DRC. Anyone who has already registered for federal or state disaster assistance is not required to visit a center regarding their application, but is invited to do so for disaster related information.