Mass. to Open 3 More DRC’s

State and federal officials are opening Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Pittsfield, Springfield and Sturbridge, Mass., beginning Tuesday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Dec. 3, to serve individuals and families affected by the severe storms and flooding that took place Oct. 6-17.

Representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies will be on hand to answer questions and provide recovery information. Officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to discuss disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.

Disaster victims are urged to register for assistance before visiting a Disaster Recovery Center by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY number is 1-800-462-7585 for those who are speech- or hearing-impaired. Registration can also be done online at www.fema.gov. Those who have questions may visit the center to meet with recovery specialists in person.

Persons who have sustained losses or damage as a result of the floods may go to any Disaster Recovery Center to follow up on their registrations and receive information on available programs. If a person cannot visit a Disaster Recovery Center, follow-up assistance is still available by calling the toll-free Helpline number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

The new DRCs are located at:

Berkshire County
Pittsfield Economic Development Agency Building
81 Kellogg Street
Pittsfield

Worcester County
Sturbridge Public Safety Complex
346 Main Street
Sturbridge

Hampden County
Springfield Public Safety Complex
1212 Carew Street
Springfield

The hours for the centers are as follows:

* Springfield DRC will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. except for Thursday, Dec. 1, when they will close at 5:30 p.m.
* Pittsfield and Sturbridge DRCs will be open from noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Wednedsay, Nov. 30 – Friday, Dec. 2, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.