The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened May 13 at Galilee Lutheran Church, 301 Lincoln Blvd., Russells Point, and is expected to be open through July 1. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened just this week in Logan County, providing a helping hand to local individuals and families still dealing with the on-going process of recovery from the devastating tornado that hit the Indian Lake region March 14.
Thursday, May 16, the FEMA DRC was busy with many area residents making their way to the site at Galilee Lutheran Church, 301 Lincoln Blvd., Russells Point, to apply for federal disaster assistance and get their questions answered in person.
Hours of operation for the center are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and the center is closed Sundays. FEMA expects to be at the site through July 1, although sometimes extensions are granted for Disaster Recovery Centers based upon needs in the area, said FEMA Public Information Officer Erendira Partida.
“We encourage folks to come in with any questions that they may have and to talk with a person directly. We’re here to help people apply for the assistance they need.”
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents and learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant.
Jim MacDougal, Disaster Recovery Center manager for the Logan County site, said his staff are well-versed in all of the requirements and procedures, and want to help ease this application process for their clients and also offer a listening ear.
“It’s like anything you do for the first time; it can be difficult to navigate when it’s something unfamiliar. We’re here to help give guidance and direction through this process,” the Maine resident said.
“All of my staff are dedicated to helping people through a disaster — helping them to make progress and recover. We can help if additional documentation is needed, and help them find out when to expect correspondence from FEMA.
“We want to do anything we can to help remove barriers.”
Sometimes several visits to the Disaster Recovery Center are required, and that is OK, MacDougal said.
“Oftentimes, people will get back home and have more questions. We invite them to come back again to get all of their questions answered.”
Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible.
Accessible parking spaces are available at all centers.
Survivors don’t have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance, and can apply online any time of day, Partida noted.
To apply without visiting a center, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
After applying for FEMA assistance, Ohio residents will receive a letter from FEMA, explaining their application status and how to respond.
“It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide or documents FEMA may still need from you,” officials said. If you have turned in all required information and are eligible for a FEMA grant, the letter will tell you the dollar amount of your grant and how the funds should be used. These grants are for repairs, temporary housing and other approved essential disaster-related costs.
If the letter says your application is currently not eligible, it will tell you why or what FEMA still needs to know. It also tells you how to appeal the decision if you disagree.
You may need to submit additional information or supporting documents for FEMA to continue to process your application. Examples of missing documents may include: proof of insurance coverage; settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider; proof of identity; proof of occupancy or ownership; proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster
If you have questions about your letter, call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal. It must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.
Specialists at the Disaster Recovery Center can assist survivors with the appeal process. Appeals also may be made online by setting up a FEMA online account at DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.; by mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055; or by fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA.
FEMA Public Information Officer Erendira Partida, from Chicago, left, and U.S. Small Business Administration PIO Donika Farnham, from Orlando, Fla., greet each other on Thursday in front of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center entrance at Galilee Lutheran Church, 301 Lincoln Blvd., Russells Point. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
