Release Number: 1971-009
» More Information on Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding
ATLANTA -- A disaster recovery center is open in Sumter County in Alabama to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by recent storms and tornadoes. The center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will be at the center to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors apply for disaster aid.
The disaster recovery center is located at the following addresses:
Sumter County Geiger Town Hall 201 Broadway St. Geiger, Ala.
If possible, before going to a disaster recovery center, those with storm losses should register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Help is available in most languages. Those with a speech or hearing impairment may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.
Persons affected by the storms can also apply for federal assistance through a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone. Visit m.fema.gov and follow the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”
Federal disaster assistance can include grants for rental assistance and home repairs, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.
Editor’s note – the following disaster recovery centers have already opened:
DeKalb County Tom Bevell Center 115 Main St. W Rainsville, Ala.
Jefferson County Union Hill Baptist Church 7049 Taylors Ferry Road Bessemer, Ala.
National Guard Armory 140 Cane Creek Road Warrior, Ala.
Old Ashley Furniture Store 3429 Lowery Parkway Fultondale, Ala.
Marengo County National Guard Armory 2599 East Coats Ave. Linden, Ala.
Walker County Cordova High School 183 School Road Cordova, Ala.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.