FEMA Offers Aid to Storm Victims

People and businesses that have suffered loss from Hurricane Isabel should register for disaster aid with FEMA by phone or in person.

FEMA has established a toll-free number (800) 621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. seven days a week. People with hearing or speech impairments may call (TTY) (800) 462-7585.

Disaster recovery centers are open seven days a week. Their hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

FEMA plans to open more than 30 centers in Virginia. These centers are open now:

  • Alexandria, 1108 Jefferson Ave.
  • Chesapeake, Chesapeake Central Library, 298 Cedar Road.
  • Gloucester County,
    the former Wal-Mart store, 6513 Market Dr.
  • Hampton, Northampton Community
    Center, 1435-A Todds Lane.
  • Norfolk, Oceanview Senior Center, 600 E. Oceanview
    Ave. Newport News, Dresden Drive Shopping Center, 611 Dresden Dr.
  • Poquoson,
    Emmaus Baptist Church gym, 814 Yorktown Road.
  • Portsmouth, Cradock Recreation
    Center. 4300 George Washington Highway.
  • Virginia Beach, 316 Constitution
    Road.
  • Williamsburg, James City-Williamsburg Community Center, 5301 Longhill
    Road.
  • York County, Caritas Building, 1000 Old York Hampton Highway.

At the centers, representatives from FEMA, the state of Virginia and the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide information on recovery programs, and SBA representatives can help fill out applications for low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is November 17.