FEMA to Open Disaster Recovery Centers Throughout State

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Wednesday that Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to open at least one Disaster Recovery Center in every county in the state to assist homeowners and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

The Disaster Recovery Centers will open on Thursday, Sept. 8 at noon, and will have regular hours of Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“I am urging any individual or business who has suffered losses or damages as a result of Tropical Storm Irene to visit a center and work with staff there to review what benefits to which they may be entitled,” Malloy said in a statement Wednesday. “These centers provide an opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have with regard to federal disaster assistance and assistance with application preparation.”

The centers will be staffed by a combination of state and federal disaster recovery specialists, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

“Registering with FEMA is the first step in determining if you qualify for federal disaster assistance,” Malloy said.

Those with damage or losses as a result of the tropical storm are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting the recovery center by either calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using any PDA device at fema.gov. For those with speech or hearing disabilities, the TTY number is 800-462-7585.

Malloy also reminded Connecticut residents that, even if they have already provided damage information to their towns, FEMA, state officials or 2-1-1, they must still officially register with FEMA to be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

The local Connecticut Disaster Recovery Center will be located at:

Tolland County

10 South Eagleville Rd.       
Storrs-Mansfield, CT 06268