The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Wyoming Report

June 25, 2009

FEMA trailer park expands

By Mary Catherine Brooks

A temporary Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mobile home park under construction in Lizzard Creek Park has been doubled in size to meet victims’ needs, according to Dean Meadows, Wyoming County Emergency Services director.

Meadows said there will now be places for nearly 50 mobile homes to house area residents displaced by May 9 flooding and the park should be ready in about 30 days.

There will be places for 25 homes on one side of the ball field and another 25 homes on the other side, he said.

The ball field will not be touched by the temporary housing, Meadows emphasized.

Those living in the “FEMA trailers” can stay in the park for up to 18 months, Meadows said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently updating necessary infrastructure, Meadows noted.

The site has been used for previous temporary emergency housing, he explained.

Those in need of temporary house are urged to phone the toll-free housing hotline at 1-877-444-0422 Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. until noon.

Time is running out for Wyoming County victims of May flooding to apply for federal disaster assistance, according to officials; the registration deadline is July 14.

Thus far, about 1,200 Wyoming County residents have applied for assistance, according to FEMA officials.

Those affected should phone 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 800-462-7585.

“I encourage anyone affected by high water to call and apply, even those who don’t think their situation is worth it,” Meadows emphasized.

“Those affected in any way should apply,” Meadows said.

Individuals may also register for federal disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Applicants who have questions about the disaster assistance programs or questions about the status of their previously filed applications should also use FEMA's toll-free registration number.

Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to real and personal property should also be submitted by the deadline.

For more information, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday-Friday. Affected residents may also apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Applicants may also visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

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