FEMA to Open Disaster Aid Office in Greenwich This Thursday

Area residents and businesses hurt by Tropical Storm Irene can get help with receiving federal assistance by going to a new federal government office opening Thursday in Greenwich.

The "Disaster Recovery Center" office (DRC), opened by the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Rd., is one of nine opening across the state.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced today that FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be opening in every county of the state.

At these offices, victims of the storm can work with staff to figure out what benefits they are entitled to.

"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," Gov. Malloy announced Wednesday in a news release.

Each Disaster Recovery Center in the state will open on Thursday, September 8 at 12 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," the release states.

Registering with FEMA is the first step in the process, and it should be done before visiting.

"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."

You still need to register, even if you've already given damage information to local officials, state officials or the 2-1-1 service, according to the news release.