FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Palm Beach County for Florida Survivors

Release date: 

September 19, 2017

Release Number: 

DR-4337-FL NR 015

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will open Wednesday, Sept. 20 in Palm Beach County to help Florida storm survivors.  The DRC will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday until further notice.

The DRC is at the following address:

Location:                   Carolyn Sims Center
                                   225 NW 12^th. Ave.
                                   Boynton Beach FL 33435

 Regular hours: Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

As more centers open, survivors may locate one near them at https://www.fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.  That information is also available on the FEMA Mobile App.    

To speed recovery, survivors are urged to register before visiting a DRC.  To register, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.govor call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.  Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) seven days a week until further notice.  

If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585.
• Download the FEMA Mobile App and apply.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation such as American Sign Language interpreting, Braille, large print, etc., while visiting a DRC may call the Helpline number for support at 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at: fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/videos/111546.

Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews are canvassing affected areas and are able to register survivors for FEMA assistance, if needed.  When residents require further assistance, the teams may refer them to a DRC.

If already registered, it is not necessary to visit a DRC.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

For more information on the Palm Beach recovery, visit fema.gov/hurricane-irma.