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Hardee Co. Temporary DRC Transitions To Permanent Location
Release Date: August 31, 2004
Release Number: 1539-084
ORLANDO, Fla. -- State and federal officials announce the transition of a temporary Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Wauchula to a permanent location for continued assistance to those Hardee County residents affected by Hurricane Charley.
The Wauchula DRC, once located at the Hardee County School Board parking lot, 1001 North Highway 17, has been relocated to the Elks Club, 318 West Main Street. All centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
Disaster victims are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For the hearing impaired the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Applicants may visit the center to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists.
Representatives of local, state and federal agencies, as well as volunteer agencies, will be on hand to provide program and service information. Loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Administration can answer questions and provide disaster loan information. Written materials about various assistance programs are also available to individuals and business owners.
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a collaboration of Floridas emergency management agencies led by the state coordinating officer. SERTs mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate their impact. Visit http://www.floridadisaster.org for the latest information on the hurricane relief effort.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
CITIZEN HOTLINE: 773-6952
Food, water and ice distribution centers (provide necessities throughout the day):
- Bowling Green Train Station
- Wauchula Kash and Karry
- Zolfo Springs Christian Heritage
- Ona Circle K, County Road 663 & State Road 64 West
- Fort Green -- Mineview Road south off of State Road 62 West
- State Road 66 & Johnston Road
- Charlie Creek RV Park
- Limestone Store at 663 and Murphy Road
Hot meals:
- Bowling Green Train Station
- Wauchula Kash and Karry
- Zolfo Springs City Hall
- First Baptist Church of Wauchula noon and 6 p.m.
Injuries:
- Minor Injuries Hardee County Health Department
- Tetanus Shots Hardee County Health Department
- Major Injuries Florida Hospital Wauchula Emergency Room
Debris Clearing:
First Baptist Church of Wauchula volunteers will clear debris. Sign up at the church.
Gasoline:
Limited availability. Check stations.
Food Stamps:
Apply 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m. at Hardee County Health Department.
Mandatory Curfew:
8 p.m. - 7 a.m.
Schools:
- Hardee County schools are closed through Aug. 27.
- School employees must contact their administrators.
Disaster Assistance:
800 - 621 - FEMA
Call this number to have an application packet sent to you. Have a pen and paper ready and your personal information. Expect to be on the phone for a while and please be patient. Youll need to work with them to get a case number. FEMA IS HERE AND HAS PHONES FOR YOU TO USE TO CALL THIS HOTLINE.
Library closed, fines suspended until further notice.
Mosquito Spraying:
Being done beginning 6 a.m. and will continue until further notice.
Counseling: 773 6373
This is free for residents who have suffered from the emotional stress of Hurricane Charley.
Insurance Information: 800 - 22 STORM
Report property damage to your insurance company. Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage to your home and document them for your insurance company. Keep receipts and take photos before and after repairs.
Cox Lumber is offering free delivery of lumber for all orders placed. Call 941-729-5688.
Report Price Gouging: 800 - 646 0444
Fire Safety:
No Open Burning in Hardee County Until Further Notice, By Order of the Fire Chief!
Landfill:
The landfill accepts only yard debris and household trash, 7 a.m. 5 p.m.
Board of Hardee County Commission employees must report to work.
Building Permits:
Building permits are required for all construction and repairs or your insurance company may not pay damages. Get permits at the Building Department at Main and Ninth streets. You will be billed later.
BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT CONTRACTORS! CHECK THEM OUT OR CALL THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT TO VERIFY IF THE CONTRACTOR YOU CHOOSE IS LEGIT! THEY MUST PROVIDE PROPER PHOTO IDENTIFICATION!
Postal Service:
U.S. Postal Service is delivering mail:
Windows are open from 9 a.m. 3:30 p.m., Monday Friday and 9 a.m. noon on Saturday
Zolfo Springs is working out of Wauchula.
Bowling Green is open.
Stamps, express mail and priority flat rate parcels are accepted.
If a package is undeliverable, it will be available in Wauchula. You must present ID.
Health and Safety:
- DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS IF YOU WORK OUTSIDE TO AVOID OVERHEATING!
- Generators
- Never attempt to refuel a generator while it is running. The gasoline fumes could ignite.
- Do not operate a generator in doors or in your garage. Carbon monoxide gas is odorless and dangerous.
- Operate power tools safely.
- Never operate power tools after dark.
- Wear appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, long pants and boots.
- Boil water before drinking until further notice.
- Apply plenty of sunscreen and bug repellant.
- Numerous businesses are open, and more are opening every day.
Hurricane Charley Relief Fund
c/o Hardee County Commission
412 W. Orange St., Room 103
Wauchula, FL 33873
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