Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will join other recovery specialists at the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) located in Lawrenceville, Monmouth and Quincy, announced FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency today.

The DRCs provide a one-stop opportunity for Illinois residents who sustained damage during the June 1 and continuing severe storms and flooding to meet face-to-face with disaster recovery specialists to learn about the various assistance programs.

Visitors can get questions answered about types of disaster assistance available and the status of their applications, as well as get help with SBA disaster low-interest loan applications and contacts for other programs. Visitors also can learn about cost-effective ways to reduce disaster damage in the future.

The DRCs, which are operating everyday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Friday, July 4, are located at the following locations:

Lawrenceville: Parkview Junior High School, 1802 Cedar Street
Monmouth: Monmouth College, Huff Athletic Building, 700 East Broadway
Quincy: Illinois Veteran’s Home, 1707 North 12th Street

Additional DRC locations may be announced in the coming days.

Homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the severe weather beginning June 1 and continuing are encouraged to register for assistance by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The registration line is available 24 hours a day, everyday. Residents are encouraged to register prior to visiting a DRC. For applicants with speech- or hearing-impairment, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Applicants also may register on-line at www.fema.gov.

Officials remind affected residents who have already filled out damage report forms with state officials, county emergency managers, or voluntary agencies that they also must register with FEMA at the above numbers or Web site to be eligible for federal assistance.

FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance.

Representatives from the SBA will meet individually with applicants who visit the DRCs to provide assistance in completing their disaster loan application, and to accept completed disaster loan applications. Returning the applications is an essential part of the disaster recovery process even for individuals who do not want a loan. If SBA determines that a homeowner or renter is ineligible for a loan, they will refer the applicant to FEMA for possible grant assistance.

The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for losses not fully covered by insurance. The SBA may lend up to $200,000 to repair or replace homes and up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Also, up to $1.5 million is available for businesses for their uncompensated disaster losses.

Residents and business owners can receive information about SBA disaster loans and help with the application process by calling the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 or visiting the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.