FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens Thursday In Groton

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be opening in every county of the state – and two in New Haven County – on Thursday, Sept. 8 to assist home owners and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

The New London County site will be at the Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road in Groton.

“I am urging any individual or business who has suffered losses or damages as a result of Tropical Storm Irene to visit a center and work with staff there to review what benefits to which they may be entitled,” said Gov. Dannel Malloy in a press release. “These centers provide an opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have with regard to federal disaster assistance and assistance with application preparation.”

All of the Disaster Recovery Centers will open on Thursday, September 8 at noon. After Thursday, the regular hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Disaster Recovery Centers will be staffed with state and federal disaster recovery specialists, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

Those with damage or losses as a result of the tropical storm are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting the recovery center by either calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using any PDA device at m.fema.gov.  For those with speech or hearing disabilities, the TTY number is 800-462-7585.

It is also important to note that residents who have already provided damage information to their towns, FEMA, state officials or 2-1-1 must still register with FEMA.