FEMA, State Closing Etowah County DRC, Making Changes at Remaining Centers

ANNISTON, Alabama, May 23 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency issued the following news release:

FEMA and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency have made changes to the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Etowah, Calhoun and Cullman counties. The changes include:

* The Etowah County DRC will close permanently at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 26.

* The Calhoun County DRC will close temporarily at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 26 and reopen Tuesday, May 29 at the:

Calhoun County EMA/911 Center

507 Francis St. West

Jacksonville, AL 36265

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

* The DRC in Cullman also will change operating hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The DRC is located:

Cullman City Hall

204 Second Ave. N.E.

Cullman, AL 35055

The Calhoun and Cullman DRCs will be closed Monday, May 28 for the Memorial Day Federal Holiday. However, the FEMA Helpline will be operating on the holiday, so survivors can call 800-621-3362 for assistance.

DRCs provide survivors of the March 19-20 tornadoes and severe storms with a one-stop shop to have any questions answered and get one-on-one information from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

All DRCs are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors' needs. If you have any questions about resources for the disabled or cannot transport yourself to a DRC call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to request assistance.

Even though a DRC is closing, survivors can still get help or register at a remaining DRC, by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. You also can use the FEMA mobile app or go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.

FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare or other federal benefits.

Register even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but if you are underinsured you may receive help after your claim has been settled.