Green Mountain Outlook

Rutland — The town of Rutland has been added to the list of disaster recovery center locations open to help Vermonters affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

The recovery centers are staffed with disaster recovery specialists from various federal, state and local agencies and organizations who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s individual assistance program covers expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs, such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs.

Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan. But if they don’t complete the application, they will not be considered for other federal grants.

Anyone who has a question about disaster loans may visit a disaster recovery center to speak with an SBA representative. Staff specialists are also available at the centers to answer other disaster assistance questions. Specialists at the recovery centers can refer applicants to voluntary agencies and provide information to reduce damage in possible future disasters.

Disaster officials encourage those affected by the storms to register with FEMA before visiting a disaster recovery center by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Multilingual registration assistance is available. Those with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.

Applicants who would like to speak to disaster specialists face-to-face can visit a center near them between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week until further notice:

• Rutland Heart Center, 1 Commons St., Rutland, VT 05701
• Dover Town Hall, 120 Taft Brook Road, Dover, VT 05341
• U.S. Post Office (Upstairs), 2046 Route 4, Killington, VT 05751
• Barre Municipal Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
• Living Memorial Park Skating Rink, 61 Memorial Park Dr., Brattleboro, VT 05301
• Waterbury Fire Department, 43 South Main St., Waterbury, VT 05676