HATTIESBURG, Miss.--If you suffered property damage or injury during the Hattiesburg/Petal tornado last week, FEMA has opened more disaster recovery centers for you to register and get assistance. The following is infor from FEMA:

With the opening of a Disaster Recovery Center Monday in Waynesboro, disaster survivors in Wayne, Forrest, Lamar and Marion counties can meet face-to-face with recovery specialists in four locations.

The centers are staffed with recovery professionals from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, who can provide information and answer questions about disaster-related assistance.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

All centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

Wayne County
City of Waynesboro Fire Station, 710 Wayne St., Waynesboro, 39367

Forrest County
Ben McNair Recreation Center, 300 North 12^th Ave., Hattiesburg, 39401
Petal Civic Center, 714 S. Main St., Petal, 39402

Petal Civic Center
714 South Main St.
Petal, MS 39465


Lamar County
Lamar Park, 226 Pinewood Dr., Hattiesburg, 39402

The first step to receiving federal disaster aid is to register with FEMA. Registration is simple and can be completed several ways:
· Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.
· By phone or video relay at 800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.
· By TTY at 800-462-7585.
· C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
· By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov. Select "Disaster Survivor" then "Apply Online for FEMA Assistance."

Those who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call800-621-3362.

Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

In addition to state and federal disaster assistance experts, residents can meet with representatives from voluntary and faith-based groups to help with any additional unmet needs in the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Survivors are encouraged to register before visiting a center if possible. Specialists at the center can explain the disaster assistance process, describe the types of help available, and answer survivors' questions.

FEMA REGISTRATION

Many state, community and faith-based agencies are working hand in hand with Mississippians to help meet their needs after the recent storms and tornadoes.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are reminding disaster survivors in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties that they also must register with FEMA to receive federal disaster assistance.

"We often find folks who think they have registered with FEMA after they have contacted their local emergency managers, disaster-relief organizations, or community or faith-based organizations, but they are not," said Robert Latham, MEMA's state coordinating officer. "Even if you don't think you qualify for disaster assistance please register and let FEMA make that determination."

Register with FEMA even if you have contacted 2-1-1 Mississippi, the American Red Cross or any other agency or local organization. FEMA registration will open the way for possible federal grants and low-interest loans.

"The only way to get federal assistance to eligible survivors is if they are registered with FEMA," said Terry Quarles, FEMA's federal coordinating officer. "Survivors sometimes think they are not eligible for federal or state assistance, but when we review their applications we find they are. That's why it's so important that they register."

Register with FEMA, even if

· … you have insurance. FEMA may be able to provide additional assistance or help with disaster needs not covered by insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
· … you are a renter. Renters may be eligible for temporary housing or other needs assistance.
· … your home is inaccessible or you are waiting to see if your home was damaged. Go ahead and register so we get you on our list. If a housing inspection is warranted, we'll get an inspector out there as soon as possible.
· … you think you may not be eligible. Let our professionals work with you to help determine whether FEMA might be able to provide some form of assistance.
· … you only had minor damage. It's hard to know the full extent of the damage in the early days. Go ahead and register.

· …you already registered with other agencies like the Red Cross or emergency managers.

Registering with FEMA is simple and can be done in several ways:

· Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov any time day or night.
· By phone or video relay at 800-621-FEMA (3362) daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Help is available in many languages.
· By TTY at 800-462-7585.
· C-Spire Wireless customers can register by calling #362.
· By web-enabled mobile devices at m.fema.gov. Select "Disaster Survivor" then "Apply Online for FEMA Assistance."

Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 1-800-621-3362.