FEMA tour puts ‘face’ on government

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 6, 2001

WOODVILLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency Mobile Disaster Recovery Center will be in Woodville today and Saturday wrapping up a state-wide tour.

Representatives from state, local and federal governments will be available to answer questions and concerns from residents affected by recent storms.

&uot;It helps to put a face on government, so to speak,&uot; said Jason Pack, spokesperson for FEMA.

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Anyone who has applied for federal emergency assistance and wishes to check on the progress of their application should bring their official tracking number to the center site, Pack said.

The deadline to apply for emergency funds for the last round of storms in southwest Mississippi is April 24.

To apply, call the FEMA registration line at 1-800-462-9029. For questions regarding a current application or FEMA programs, call the Helpline at 1-800-525-0321.

But the mobile center is not just for disaster victims, Pack said. Information will also be available for people concerned about storm safety, particularly &uot;safe rooms.&uot;

Pack said &uot;safe rooms&uot; are areas within a home that are least vulnerable to storm damage.

They can be built in existing houses or incorporated into plans for a new structure.

Free blueprints will be available to help homeowners identify the safest place in their house, Pack said. The mobile center will be at the Wilkinson County Department of Human Services Friday from noon until 6 pm and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Woodville is the final stop on the tour which has traveled throughout the state since February.