NATCHEZ — Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s first disaster recovery center will open in Adams County to aid residents in their post-Gustav recovery.

On Friday, the county was made eligible for individual disaster assistance.

The center will open at noon today in the VFW hall on Sergeant S. Prentiss Drive.

Residents visiting the center will have an opportunity to register for disaster benefits and will be able to discuss benefit options with FEMA representatives.

FEMA’s public information officer, Jeannie Mooney, said one of the greatest advantages of going to the center is that those applying for assistance will have an opportunity to speak with a live representative.

However, Mooney said it would be wise to register before going to the center so that specific questions about individual applications could be addressed.

“That helps,” she said.

Applicants do not have to live in the county they’re applying in to be eligible for FEMA assistance, Mooney said.

Once the application process has been completed an applicant should know if their request for assistance has been granted in approximately three weeks.

Mooney said home and business owners, with and without insurance, that sustained damage as a result of Gustav should apply.