The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Wednesday that Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will open in the cities of Franklin and Emporia to serve individuals in Brunswick, Greensville, Sussex, Dinwiddie, and Southampton counties, and surrounding areas who have suffered losses and damages from Hurricane Isabel. For a list of DRCs currently open in Virginia, visit: www.vaemergency.com.

In Franklin:

Police Courts Building

1018 Pretlow St

Operating Friday, Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 13

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri. – Mon., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

This center will close Oct. 13

In Emporia:

400 Halifax St.

Operating Wednesday, Oct. 15 through Saturday Oct. 18

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wed.-Fri., and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

This center will close Oct. 18

Residents of any area that has been declared a disaster area can visit any DRC.

Individuals can still register for assistance or locate DRCs by calling U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) toll-free number at: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. The lines are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Nov. 17, 2003.

Representatives from FEMA, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), other federal and state agencies, as well as voluntary organizations will be available to provide information on disaster recovery programs. Additionally, the SBA will be available to help those affected fill out applications for low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

More disaster information is available on the Internet at www.fema.gov or SBA information at www.sba.gov

Information is available also through the FEMA 24-hour fax-on-demand service by calling 202-646-FEMA.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management also has an Internet site at www.vaemergency.com

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or economic status. Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against should contact the federal or state coordinating officer.