Those seeking assistance may go to Terre Haute FEMA center

Flood victims who are looking for a place to turn for help can get their questions answered in Terre Haute by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA has set up a Recovery Center in Terre Haute at 1101 South 13th St. at the Booker T. Washington Community Center. It's open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

"At the moment Terre Haute is the closest office. We may have some mobile units in a week or two (that may come to the area), but we don't have that scheduled yet," FEMA spokesman Greg Hughes said.

"Terre Haute is the largest population center in this area. We opened the Recovery Center on Sunday, and on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, we had 351 visitors."

FEMA is encouraging flood victims to register for help. Hughes said victims may register one of two ways.

First, they may go to www.fema.gov and click on register on the home page.

"Some people may want to register in person," Hughes said.

Victims can visit the Recovery Center in Terre Haute if they prefer dealing with a FEMA representative in person.

"It's a one-stop Recovery Center with assistance from FEMA, the Indiana State Emergency Management ... the Red Cross will be there, and the U.S. Small Business Administration," Hughes explained.

"In times of a natural disaster, the SBA, despite its name, offers low-interest, long-term loans for rebuilding or repairing their homes, rental property, and businesses. They work closely with FEMA in times of disasters," Hughes said.

If victims decide to visit the Recovery Center, Hughes stressed that they need to bring certain items with them.

"It's a good idea to bring some sort of identification, like a driver's license, that establishes your residence. And they need to bring any insurance information they may have, because FEMA may be able to help where insurance leaves off," he said.

"We want to encourage anyone who has had damage, uninsured losses, to stop by the center and see us."

For more information, go to www.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

Just the facts

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?will conduct a press conference at 2 p.m. today, along with other federal and state agencies, in order to update flood victims on how to receive help.

The event will take place at the Booker T. Washington Community Center, 1101 S. 13th St., Terre Haute.