Disaster Center still open

More than a month has passed since the Flood of 2006, but FEMA's disaster recovery center continues in operation.

Shortly after the flood, emergency officials from federal, state and local agencies began the aid process for residents and businesses. The center was established at the South Vo-Tech School in MarLin.

To date, over 14-hundred Schuylkill Countians have applied for assistance, second only to Luzerne County, of all disaster affected counties. Housing assistance dollars provided exceeds $1.6 million dollars.

Schuylkill County emergency management officials say that it is uncertain when the center will wrap up operations, but will continue to serve residents as long as there is a need. Officials say that visitors to the center had been averaging 20 to 30 per day.

If you have not yet applied for assistance, call the FEMA hotline, at 800-621-3362, seven days a week. The disaster recovery center is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 7pm, and Saturday, from 10am to 5pm.