By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER Managing editor
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that disaster recovery centers (DRC) have opened in Escambia County and surrounding counties.
Marvin Nauman, a public affairs officer with FEMA, urges everyone to get registered with FEMA as soon as possible. Typically, Nauman said, it takes two weeks for FEMA officials to come to a disaster area after it has been hit. However, with Hurricane Dennis, FEMA was already pre-positioned in surrounding counties in an attempt to aid victims in a timely manner.
Nauman said the fastest and best way to register is online.
How to apply for assistance
Register online at http://www.fema.gove, or call the toll-free number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or if you are hearing impaired call 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). The numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.
Applicants registering should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves, insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
Open DRCs
The DRCs are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.