FEMA Will Open Disaster Recovery Center in Clatskanie

FEMA Makes Funds Available for a number of repairs and replacements.

Flood and mudslide scene from Clatskanie in December.

(CLATSKANIE, Ore.) - FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center for Oregonians affected by recent floods at the Clatskanie Fire Department. Residents in the Clatskanie, Woodson and Westport areas impacted by December's storms and mudslides may register with FEMA next week, January. 3rd through 5th, Thursday, Friday and Saturday - from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

FEMA says they will have a team of experts will be on hand to help people, businesses and local agencies that suffered damages related to the weather events from December 1st through 17th.

Clatskanie Mayor Diane Pohl, who helped arrange forthe FEMA mobile unit to visit Clatskanie this week, encourages anyone who had damages to register with FEMA, even if they don't need help.

You may be eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency if you suffered losses resulting from the December 2007 severe storms in Columbia County. Citizens may apply via telephone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

You can submit applications on-line at: fema.gov/assistance
Claim # 1733-DR Oregon Disaster assistance is money or direct assistance to individuals, families and businesses in an area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. It is meant to help with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways.

The housing needs may include:

Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): Money is available to rent a different place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental properties are not available.

Repair: Money is available to homeowners to repair damage from the disaster to their primary residence that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.

Replacement: Money is available to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing their destroyed home.

Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the disaster.

This includes:

Disaster-related funeral and burial cost.

Clothing; household items (room furnishings, appliances); tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job; necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies).

Fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas, firewood). Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, air purifier, dehumidifier).

Disaster damaged vehicles.

Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home).

Other necessary expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA.

Apply today at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) On-line at www.fema.gov/assistance

(source: fema.gov)