Miss. DRC’s Close for Christmas Holiday, Reopen on Dec. 27

Disaster Recovery Centers throughout Mississippi will close at 6 p.m. Dec. 23-26 in observance of the Christmas holiday, according to state and federal officials.

“The holidays are a time when we come together with family and friends to celebrate the many blessings we enjoy as Americans,” said Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer for the Mississippi recovery efforts .

The centers will reopen Dec. 27 and resume normal hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and continue to be closed on Sundays. The centers serve individuals and families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

People affected by Hurricane Katrina are urged to register for assistance before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired or by going online at www.fema.gov . The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is Jan. 11, 2006.

Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies will be on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to discuss disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.