DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS TO OPEN: Assistance Process Starts by Registering with FEMA

CHEYENNE, WYO. – Wyoming residents in Johnson and Niobrara counties who have been affected by the flooding that occurred from May 24 to June 6 can soon visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) if they have questions about recovery programs. The DRCs opening this week are located in Buffalo and Lusk and have recovery program representatives available to help answer questions about assistance.

The DRC is set up for residents who like to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives, but it’s not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance. The fastest way to register with FEMA is by phone or online. Individuals or businesses can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or go online at www.fema.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov. The registration line is open daily from 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. (MDT) until further notice. Individuals may also register by smart phone at m.fema.gov. 

Even if residents previously registered with their local emergency manager or with a voluntary agency, they must still register with FEMA to access federal disaster assistance programs.

The DRCs will be open daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. until further notice.

Residents who plan to stop by the DRC are urged to register for assistance before their visit.

Johnson County (Opens July 14)             Niobrara County (Opens July 16)

Road and Bridge Building                              Niobrara County Fairgrounds

325 Butte Street                                            Shooting Sports Multiplex Complex

Buffalo, WY 82834                                        310 West US HWY 20

                                                                      Lusk, WY 82225

Customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the centers to answer questions about SBA’s federal low-interest disaster loans and help business owners and residents complete their application.

FEMA Mitigation specialists are scheduled to be on hand at the DRC to provide information and answer questions about cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.