Disaster Recovery Center opens

A Disaster Recovery Center opened today in Chester County. A joint effort of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Chester County Department of Emergency Services, the center will assist  residents and business owners with their recovery from the recent storms and flooding. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about low-interest loans.

The center -- which will operate from Room 042 of the government services building at  601 Westtown Road, West Chester - will be open from  10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Disaster officials recommend that you register before visiting so if you have any questions about the application process, they can be answered face-to-face. You may visit any center regardless of where you live or work.

To register for assistance, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Applicants  who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585. Online registration is available at  DisasterAssistance.gov; the screens will prompt you through the registration process. You can also apply by web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800 621-3362. Operators will be on duty seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.