VERDUNVILLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that the state and federal Disaster Recovery Center operating from the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department will close Friday, May 11, at noon.

Since opening March 24, more than 650 people have visited the center to check on the status of their FEMA applications, SBA loans or to seek additional information from program experts. The disaster period focuses on the floods of March 15-31.

As of May 1, more than 760 residents in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties have registered for FEMA assistance. More than $2.25 million has been approved to help applicants with their recovery efforts.

The DRC closing will not affect disaster survivors’ ability to register for federal assistance in recovering from any damages sustained during the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 and the floods of March 15 through March 31.

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

“The process is fast and simple,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “If you are unsure that you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility.”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.

Deadlines for registering with FEMA are May 15 for those affected by the storms and floods of February 29-March 5 and May 21 for those affected by the floods of March 15-31.