Disaster Recovery Center now open

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - Storms and flooding in March prompted a presidential disaster declaration for 13 northern Indiana counties. To help get people on the road to recovery, FEMA has set up three disaster recovery center locations--in Monticello, Winamac, and Rochester.  The White County center at the EMA office in Monticello opened Wednesday.

"What we are doing here today is setting up an office so people can come in and get information about their application," said
Sandy Jasmund, FEMA Public Information Officer.  She said the first thing flood victims should do is register for assistance.  To register, call 1-800-621-FEMA or go to www.disasterassistance.gov

"They should have personal information with them. Social Security Number, banking information and anything that might help get the disaster process going smoothly. From there, an inspection will be set up, someone will come out and take a look at their damages," said Jasmund.

The disaster recovery center allows registrants to check the status of their application, meet with a FEMA representative, and meet with a U.S. Small Business Administration representative for low-interest disaster loan assistance.

Betty Fuentes, SBA Customer Service Representative explained why the SBA loans are beneficial for disaster victims: "The rates would be much lower, and the process would be very quick. So the decisions are usually made within a much shorter time than having to go through your regular banks." 

The three Disaster Recovery Centers are open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. until further notice.  Jasmund said so far, more than 300 people have registered for FEMA assistance.