May 24 Press Release from FEMA (link to pdf version):

RALEIGH, N.C. – Disaster Recovery Centers that were opened within days of the April 16 tornadoes will be closing this week.  A mobile unit will continue to serve areas for short-term stays where additional service needs have been identified.

The centers are staffed by N.C. Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency recovery specialists and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives to provide in-person help for people who want to register for disaster assistance, check on their applications, complete disaster loan applications or learn about ways to rebuild safer and stronger to reduce the impact of future storms.

“We will continue reaching counties where help is still needed with FEMA’s mobile units with an eye on the June 20 deadline to apply for disaster help,” said Doug Hoell, the state’s Director of Emergency Management. “Keep in mind a visit to a recovery center is an option, not a necessity. You can call the  FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.”

FEMA’s mobile unit will make three-day stops in Sampson, Lee and Bladen counties through June 2.

The Bertie, Cumberland, Robeson and Wake centers will close at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 26. Until then, they are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the following locations.

Dates and times for the short-term centers – the mobile unit – are as follows:

Those whose homes or businesses were affected by the April 16 storms and tornadoes can continue to call FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to register for disaster assistance, check application status and update contact or insurance company information. A Federal Emergency Management Agency representative is available at the toll-free number from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Help is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call TTY 800-462-7585.

Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.govor with a web-enabled mobile device smartphone. Visit m.fema.govand follow the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”

For more information about this disaster, go to www.nccrimecontrol.organd click on the red “April Tornadoes” tab. More information is also available at www.fema.gov.

FEMA’s housing assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.  Applicants who do not qualify for a SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for these items.

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