Alabama disaster recovery centers no longer open on Sundays

All Alabama disaster recovery centers will no longer be open on Sundays, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Beginning Monday, June 6, all recovery centers will now be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday until further notice.

To date, more than 23,000 Alabamians have visited one of the nearly 50 recovery centers that have been deployed to designated tornado-struck counties since May 1.

Currently, 27 recovery centers continue operations to assist the recovery of storm survivors. However, decreasing visits by survivors, particularly on Sundays, prompted a reevaluation of the seven-day-a-week outreach effort.

Representatives from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies will staff the centers to explain disaster assistance programs and help survivors through the recovery process.

Survivors can find the closest center by using the online disaster recovery center locator at https://www.fema.gov/drclocator. They can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), which is the same number to register for disaster assistance.

Survivors of the April tornadoes have until Monday, June 27 to register for assistance. Those who have not registered for assistance are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

Before going to a recovery center, survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Help is available in most languages. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Persons affected by the storms can also apply for federal assistance through a smartphone or tablet. Visit m.fema.gov and follow the link to “apply online for federal assistance.”