Disaster Recovery Center open in Ogden

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to assist those who suffered losses and damages as a direct result of the severe storms that occurred August 13 to September 16. The DRC will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week at the Ogden Community Center (Town Hall), 269 Ogden Center Road, Spencerport.

Representatives from FEMA, the State of New York and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the DRC to provide information on disaster recovery programs. Additionally, SBA will be available to help fill out applications for long-term, low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and business owners.

Before going to a DRC, individuals are encouraged to call FEMA's toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply for assistance or register online at www.fema.gov. People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Lines remain open from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday. Those with Internet access, can apply online at: www.fema.gov.

"Calling FEMA's toll-free registration number is the first step to receiving help from federal and state programs," said James W. Tuffey, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO). "It isn't necessary to visit a DRC unless you need additional disaster assistance information."

Those who have registered and still have questions should visit a DRC. The information center is a great resource for people who would like to ask questions about the status of their applications, update personal information, and talk with mitigation specialists on how to reduce damages from future flooding.