FEMA News Release:

The Federal and State Emergency Management Agencies (FEMA and SEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Bolivar Wednesday, July 8 from 1 to 7 p.m. for people affected by the May 8 – 16 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

Regular hours of operation after Wednesday are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday until further notice. The DRC address is:

Polk County Emergency Management Office/EOC
1913 W Broadway, Suite G
Bolivar, MO 65613

Before visiting the DRC, people are encouraged to register for disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 800-462-7585. Phone registration is available seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Help in languages other than English is offered.

After registering with FEMA, it is not necessary to visit a DRC. The centers are provided for those who may want to speak in person with a disaster recovery specialist.

DRC services include checking the status of a claim, getting answers to questions about the recovery status and reviewing information FEMA needs to process an individual's claim. Recovery specialists also can supply contacts for other programs that may be available for further assistance.

In addition, Customer Service Representatives (CSR) from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be at the centers to answer questions about the SBA's low-interest disaster loan program for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations. These loans are to repair or replace real estate and/or personal property damaged by the severe storms May 8 – 16.

SBA CSRs will help complete and accept disaster loan applications. Anyone who cannot visit a DRC should call the SBA Customer Service Center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, toll-free at 800-659-2955 for information and assistance or visit the SBA Web site at http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.