Press Release: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in White Plains Will Close Next Week

• The following is a press release from Westchester County

The Disaster Recovery Center operated by FEMA at the Westchester County Center in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene will close next week, as demand for its services has declined since the storm hit last month.  

County Executive Robert P. Astorino reminded Westchester residents and businesses that the last day of operation will be Monday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (The center will be open Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday 24, but be closed Sunday, Sept. 25.)

After that, residents and business may continue to apply for Hurricane aid online or by phone.

“I thank FEMA for its work to help our residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Irene,” said Astorino.

“But if anyone out there who was impacted by the storm has not yet sought aid, I urge them to do so – either by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center or calling or going online. We want people to get the help that they may be entitled to.” 

The DRC at the County Center opened Sept. 7. In addition, FEMA had a mobile center in Mount Kisco for three days earlier this month.

To date, 1,500 people or businesses from Westchester have registered with FEMA, of which 250 visited one of the DRCs.

With Westchester being declared a disaster area by President Obama, residents and businesses are eligible to apply for disaster aid, along with local governments and nonprofit agencies.

The first step is to register: by calling FEMA’s registration number 1-800-621-3362; or online at  www.disasterassistance.gov. For those with speech or hearing disabilities, use the TTY number at 800-462-7585. 

FEMA strongly advises people to register in advance of visiting the disaster center.