(Washington, DC)  --  U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Concord Township) today announced that FEMA will open several temporary Disaster Recovery Centers tomorrow to help flood victims.  The President issued a federal disaster declaration Tuesday afternoon for Lake, Ashtabula and Geauga counties, which were impacted by last week’s historic flooding.

 Three joint Disaster Recovery Centers will open at noon tomorrow to assist victims in person.  LaTourette said residents impacted by the recent flooding can also contact FEMA by phone before visiting a center.  The toll-free number is 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585, for the hearing and speech impaired.   LaTourette said the toll-free number will be manned from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.  Residents can also register for assistance on the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov.

 “You don’t have to go to a Disaster Recovery Center to get assistance, but if you want to talk to someone face-to-face about receiving help this is a great service,” LaTourette said.  “I appreciate how quickly FEMA and the President have worked to help local residents, and I hope folks will reach out for help.”

 LaTourette said the local Disaster Recovery Centers will be manned by state, local and federal officials and will be operated by FEMA and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).

 The centers will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 6.  Beginning Monday, August 7, the offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

 Information and services are available to residents at no cost, and LaTourette said those who receive social services assistance will not have their benefits harmed by seeking help with flooding damage.  Residents from Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties can visit the centers, or apply for assistance by phone or online.

 LaTourette said two mobile offices will be open for a limited period, but two Lake County centers will be open until further notice.  Here is information on the Disaster Recovery Centers:

Ashtabula County Mobile Disaster Recovery Center – open August 5-8 only (Sat-Tues)
Northwest Ambulance District (NAD)
1480 S. Broadway (SR 534), Geneva

Lake County- Mobile Disaster Recovery Center – open August 9-12 only (Wed-Sat)
Lakeland Community College East
201 Water Tower, Madison

Lake County Disaster Recovery Center – open August 5 until further notice
JFK Senior Center
1580 East 332nd Street, Eastlake

Lake County Disaster Recovery Center – open August 5 until further notice
First Church Congregational United Church of Christ
22 Liberty St., Painesville