Disaster Recovery Center Update
Hours Changed, Drc Sites Added

Release Date: October 14, 2004 Release Number: 1563-006

» More Information on New Jersey Tropical Depression Ivan

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. -- The days and hours of operation for the Disaster Recovery Centers in Trenton and Phillipsburg have changed, state and federal disaster recovery officials announced today. Both are closed on Sundays. Here are the new days and hours of operation and locations for each center, plus the dates and hours of operation for two additional centers:

• MERCER COUNTY
  Imani Community Center
  Corner of Prospect & Spring streets
  Trenton
  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• WARREN COUNTY
  Harmony Volunteer Fire Company
  440 Brainards Road
  Phillipsburg
  Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  
• HUNTERDON COUNTY
  Kingwood Municipal Building
  599 Oak Grove Road
  Kingwood, NJ
  October 17th, 18th and 19th, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  
  
• WARREN COUNTY
  Blairstown Municipal Building
  12 Mohican Road
  Blairstown
  October 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

"All of these Disaster Recovery Centers have been opened in an effort to bring recovery officials closer to those who need help. It really functions as a one-stop shop for disaster recovery assistance," said Peter Martinasco, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) federal coordinating officer. "There are a number of representatives at these centers from various local, state and federal agencies ready to answer questions, update case files and provide information to those who have already registered with FEMA," Martinasco added.

"To date, the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has mailed more than 350 applications for disaster recovery loans, and only a few have been returned," said Captain Karl E. Kleeberg, state coordinating officer, New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. "People can come to any one of the recovery centers, meet with SBA representatives, complete the applications and turn them in. It’s just that simple," Kleeberg said. State and federal officials point out that if those applications are not completed and filed with the SBA, all further disaster recovery assistance will cease.

Individuals can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or apply online and find valuable recovery information at http://www.fema.gov. The registration number for those with hearing or speech impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers and the website are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. If possible, try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on weekends when call volume often is lighter.

On October 2, 2004, President Bush declared a major disaster for New Jersey, opening the way for the use of federal disaster funds to help people and communities recover from the effects of Tropical Depression Ivan. Residents in Hunterdon, Mercer, Sussex and Warren counties with damages from the storm are eligible to apply for federal and state aid.