FEMA opens disaster recovery center in Wilson

Oct. 17--Wilson County residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew can get information about federal assistance at a disaster recovery center that opened its doors Sunday.

The center is located at 2693 Forest Hills Road at the former DaVita Dialysis Center. It is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays until further notice.

Officials said Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives will be on hand at the recovery center, along with N.C. Emergency Management and U.S. Small Business Administration staffers. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on the status of their applications.

Disaster survivors can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov and call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY text telephone can call 1-800-462-7585.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Officials say survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

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