FEMA's work is done; SBA to remain on hand

Saturday will be the final day of operations for FEMA's Emergency Disaster Center in Advance that has been set up at the Knights of Columbus building there since April 8, according to Jack Heesch, the agency's public affairs officer who has been on site since the relief center opened its doors.

Centers at Jackson and Piedmont will also cease on-site operations after the close of business of Saturday as well.

"The Small Business Administration (SBA) will remain in operation for now," Heesch explained, "with hours from nine to six every weekday and until one p.m. on Saturdays."

Explaining the need for SBA to remain on hand, Heesch explained, "People who are visiting the centers at this point have already completed their work with FEMA and have dealt with the mitigation services we provide. They're now coming in to see SBA representatives and so those people will remain on site for some time to accommodate those in need."

Heesch made available the latest figures pertaining to those helped through FEMA in recent weeks following the storms that devastated Southeast Missouri and provided numbers also for Stoddard County flood victims.

"Over the 35 county area a total of $9,340,000 has been dispersed to victims affected by the floods," Heesch reported

In Stoddard County,147 applications have been made for assistance through FEMA. Heesch spent time in recent days knocking on doors in the county, actively seeking out folks who may have reason to make application for assistance through FEMA and may not be aware of help that is available through their agency. (See story on page two)

Hours for FEMA's helpline will change as well, effective Monday, April 28, at which time they will begin taking calls weekdays only.

Individuals suffering damage to property from the storms of mid-March and who have not registered for FEMA assistance may call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The helpline will operate through Sunday on the seven-day schedule. Registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the www.fema.gov website.

Individual Assistance for storms beginning March 17 was approved for the following counties: Bollinger, Butler, Calloway, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Christian, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Howard, Iron, Jasper, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, Maries, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, St. Francois, St. Louis, Stoddard, Stone, Taney, Texas, Washington, Wayne, and Webster.