ATLANTA — Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) opened in Randolph, Sumter, and Tift counties Friday, as the State of Georgia and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to expedite recovery assistance for those affected by Hurricane Michael. The new center in Sumter County is located at the Georgia National Guard Armory, 901 Adderton St., Americus. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Wednesday, Nov. 14, except for Sunday when hours are 1-7 p.m.
All DRCs will be closed Monday, Nov. 12, in observation of Veteran’s Day and on Thursday, Nov. 22, for Thanksgiving.
At a DRC, survivors can meet face-to-face with recovery specialists who can answer questions about temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental, or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.
Survivors who are insured, uninsured or underinsured are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting a DRC. However, survivors who are unable to register for assistance before visiting a DRC are welcome to use the center’s phone banks and computers. FEMA grants and SBA loans may be able to help cover survivors’ damaged property and destroyed essential items.
Eligible applicants can also register for assistance by calling: (800) 621-3362, or applying online at: disasterassistance.gov. The TTY number is: (800) 462-7585 for those who are speech or hearing-impaired.
To expedite personalized recovery assistance, FEMA alternates the locations of 12 DRCs every other week, with six DRCs open in Lee, Crisp, Thomas, Clay, Calhoun and Turner counties open one week, and six DRCs in Worth, Mitchell, Grady, Randolph, Sumter and Tift counties open the next.