Larimer County Disaster Assistance Centers open, serving many needs

With the recent flooding crisis having evolved from a response to a recovery mode, two Disaster Assistance Centers are now in full operation for Larimer County. Operating under the leadership of Larimer County, the City of Loveland, the town of Estes Park and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the centers are equipped and staffed to help deal with a multitude of possible needs by those impacted by the flooding.

Similar centers are in operation in other areas of Colorado where flooding occurred.

At the DACs, the first step for impacted individuals and business representatives can be registering with FEMA for direct services or financial assistances. A FEMA official at the center today estimated that more than 15,000 registrations have been received from Larimer and Weld counties and other areas in Colorado affected by the flooding.

More than 600 FEMA registrations have been received so far at the DAC in Loveland. Persons impacted by the flood may also register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by telephone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

Registering with FEMA is important for any person, household or business that has been impacted by the flood, regardless of the extent of the impact and whether or not the property carries flood insurance. Although far less than the likely cost of repairing or replacing a badly damaged building, registering with FEMA can bring up to $31,900 in relief funds to a household or business.

FEMA is the largest single agency at the DACs, with dozens of highly experienced staffers from across the nation flown in to help. Along with FEMA, several other organizations are stationed at the centers to assist with housing, transportation, insurance, document replacement, medication replacement, employment concerns, food, child care, health concerns, clothing, animal care, communications needs and much more.

Addressing these needs are state, county and municipal staff, churches, nonprofit agencies, Colorado State University, the Salvation Army, local business support agencies, the Small Business Administration, Red Cross and others.

The Loveland center has been established in Building B of the former HP/Agilent campus, 815 14th Street SW., with entrance from Taft Avenue. Current hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.; noon-4 p.m., Sun. at least through Sept. 30.

The Estes Park center is located at the rocky Mountain Park Inn Conference Center, 101 S. St. Vrain Ave.; open 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; 9 a.m. -1 p.m., Sat. through at least Fri., Sept. 28.