February 03, 2012
By Robin DeMonia -- The Birmingham News
Three disaster recovery centers are open in Jefferson County, and two in Chilton County, to serve those affected by tornadoes on Jan. 23.
The sites in Jefferson County are:
-- Center Point City Hall, at 2209 Center Point Parkway.
-- Clay Community Center, at 6413 Clay Palmerdale Road.
-- Oak Grove First Baptist Church, at 9161 Camp Oliver Road.
The sites in Chilton County are:
-- Clanton City Hall, at 505 Second Ave. North.
-- Maplesville Public Library, at 9400 Alabama Highway 22.
The hours for now are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.
Representatives from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the centers to explain assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid.
Disaster agencies also are sending teams door-to-door in affected communities of Jefferson and Chilton counties.
The community relations specialists will wear FEMA shirts and identification badges. They are reaching out to make sure storm victims are aware of disaster aid programs and also to identify any unmet needs. They will pass on information about unmet needs to the most appropriate state, federal or nonprofit agency.
Homeowners and renters affected by the storms are eligible for various types of federal assistance, including temporary housing, basic home repair or help paying other expenses.
In addition to going to a disaster recovery center, storm victims can apply for disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are hearing- or speech-impaired can call 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 1-800-621-3362. Operators are multilingual, and lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Those applying for help must furnish such things as a Social Security number, any insurance information and contact numbers.
For more information, visit http://commerce.alabama.gov
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