Bevy of Resources Found in Disaster Centers for Arkansas Storm Survivors

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., July 12 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers operating in storm-stressed Arkansas counties have a large number of resources disaster survivors can access to speed their recovery.

Accessible to the whole community, including those with disabilities and additional communication needs, disaster centers are facilities housing federal, state, local and voluntary agencies. No cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers are distributed at the disaster centers.

Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed with representatives from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration and may include representatives of other agencies. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available and learn how to appeal a decision. Survivors also can do the following at most centers:

* Discuss their individual disaster related needs;

* Obtain information about disaster assistance programs;

* Complete the application process by having DRC personnel forward their documentation--insurance documents, occupancy verification documentation, appeals, etc.--to FEMA's National Processing Service Center;

* Update registration and contact information;

* Obtain clarification of any written correspondence received from FEMA;

* Request status of a registration being processed by FEMA;

* Receive and learn how to complete their SBA application for a low-interest loan, often the largest source of recovery funds for disaster survivors;

* Receive SBA program information;

* Obtain guidance regarding disaster recovery;

* Obtain housing and rental resource information; and

* Answer any other questions about disaster assistance.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to use amplified telephones, phones that display text, amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss, and magnifiers for people with vision loss. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not required to register with FEMA. To register:

* Call the FEMA Helpline at 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 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

o Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

* Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov (also in Spanish);

* Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), also available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

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 SBA provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters, to repair or replace uninsured/underinsured disaster-damaged property. SBA disaster loans offer an affordable way for individuals and businesses to recover from declared disasters.

For updates on the Arkansas response and recovery, follow the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (@AR_Emergencies) on Twitter and Facebook and adem.arkansas.gov. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4318.

For information about SBA's disaster assistance, call 800-659-2955, email [email protected], or visit SBA's website at SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.