LAURINBURG — The Scotland County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at Scotland Place is set to close Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean FEMA will be leaving the area.
According to Shirley “Jann” Tracey, FEMA media relations specialist, each recovery center is tracked on a daily basis on how many people come into the center. When the number begins to dwindle below a certain point, FEMA begins closing the various centers.
The center in Scotland County will officially close on Wednesday at 6 p.m. For those who might still have questions or need to be in contact with FEMA, there are several options.
“People can utilize any recovery centers in any areas,” Tracey said. “The help is still here, we’re just in a time after the disaster that centers are closing.”
The next closest recovery center is located in Lumberton at the Soaring Eagle Community Building, 442 Norment Road. The center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will be closed on Thanksgiving.
There is also the options of going online to register or find information at DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Tracey said that the helpline “is great for those who want to talk one on one with someone, have specific questions, or have issues with the determination letter.”
In Scotland County alone, more than $4.8 million dollars has gone to help residents. More than $1.8 million of that has gone to nearly 680 homeowners and renters who suffered damages. There have also been $354,000 in insurance claims paid. and $2.7 million in low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration have been approved for 108 homeowners.
The Disaster Survivor Assistance has also had more than 2,800 interactions with survivors since opening.