Survivors of the remnants of Hurricane Ida can still access federal, state and local resources to help in their recovery at Disaster Recovery Centers. DRCs are open in six counties included in the disaster declaration for Individual Assistance.
In Bucks County, a DRC is located at the former Giant grocery store at the Warwick Square Shopping Mall, 2359 York Road, Warminster.
“DRCs are one-stop shopping that provides comprehensive access to agencies that can keep disaster survivors on the road to recovery,” said Wolf. “Even if you’ve applied for federal aid online or over the phone, it’s worth making the trip to see what other resources are available to you during this time.”
DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Pennsylvania state agencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.
“Our mission here in Pennsylvania and around the country is to ensure people in impacted counties receive the help they need before, during and after disasters,” said FEMA federal coordinating officer Craig Levy. “Residents of Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and York counties have already begun registering for FEMA assistance and we encourage people in those counties to visit DisasterAssistance.gov to register or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.”
FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help survivors with immediate essential needs and to help displaced survivors find a safe, functional place to live temporarily until they can return home. Many survivors may have additional needs beyond what can be provided by FEMA. The agency works closely with state, federal, faith-based and voluntary agencies to help match survivors who have remaining needs with other sources of assistance.
The DRCs operate Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. DRCs are closed on Sundays, but people may still apply for assistance online or over the phone on that day.
Visiting a DRC is not required to register with FEMA. In addition to visiting a DRC, you can register one of the following ways:
– Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
– Help is available in most languages, and a video on the registration process is available in ASL.
– Online at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
– Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), wherever you get your mobile applications.
Specialists at DRCs are equipped to help individuals apply with FEMA, upload documents needed in the application process and answer questions about specific cases. In addition, Customer Service Representatives from the Small Business Administration will provide program information, answer any questions and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.
The registration deadline for FEMA Disaster Assistance in Pennsylvania is Nov. 10.
