MOBILE FLOOD RELIEF UNIT IN CAPE TODAY, FRIDAY

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials encourage anyone -- not just flood victims -- to visit the mobile Disaster Recovery Assistance Center today and tomorrow.

The center will be at Arena Park today from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"The mobile unit is not just for people who have suffered damage from the flood or storms but for anyone who might want knowledge on how to protect themselves for the future," FEMA official LeRoi Brashears said.

"The people who work with the mobile unit are very knowledgeable about what you can do to be less susceptible to flood damage," Brashears said. "You can learn about flood insurance and other areas."

For those who have called the registration hotline number, the mobile center will provide information on how to receive financial assistance and the status of their claims. "I would encourage anyone affected by the flood who has not called the hotline number to stop by and register," Brashears said.

Missouri residents with uninsured losses from severe storms, hail, tornadoes and flooding from May 13 through June 23 may apply for federal and state disaster assistance.

Officials from FEMA, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on federal and state programs.

Citizens and small business owners who have called the toll-free number (1-800-462-9029) will be able to learn the status of their application. A helpline (1-800-525-0321), providing information about disaster programs or the status of applications, is also available for those who will be unable to reach the mobile unit.

Some 100 flood victims in Cape Girardeau County have filed individual claims. Of that number, 72 have applied for assistance for disaster housing, two for disaster unemployment compensation and 41 for SBA or personal property loans. Twenty-seven have been referred to the Individual and Family Grant program.

Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers have been located throughout the state during previous disaster situations. However, having a federal and state assistance center on wheels is not as common. After leaving Cape Girardeau the mobile unit will be in Ste. Genevieve Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Courthouse Square.