As Waukesha County reels from last month's unprecedented flooding, residents are set to receive a helping hand from a series of Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) slated to open across the region. In an initiative brought forth by FEMA, in collaboration with county officials, these centers aim to provide relief to those grappling with the aftermath of a natural calamity that has left many with severe property damage.
According to WISN, County Executive Paul Farrow emphasized that these centers were established for residents faced with uninsured losses, or unmet needs. FEMA spokesperson Nicole Wilson, offered clarity for those with insurance, stating, "If you have insurance, we definitely have to see a letter from your insurance company saying they will not cover the type of damage, because by law we are not authorized to duplicate funds." Adding further, "We can't pay for the same things that your insurance company paid for." Wilson assured, everyone eligible for FEMA aid will receive assistance, even if the total surpasses the initially approved $30 million for the counties in question.
The first of the three centers will welcome flood victims at Butler Village Hall starting September 23, remaining operational through the end of the month, reported Spectrum News1. Swiftly following, the Brookfield Public Safety Building will serve as another DRC site from October 1, with extended service dates until October 11. Concluding the series, Muskego City Hall opens its doors as a DRC from October 13 through October 17.
In a show of bureaucratic unity and logistical coordination, these centers intend to streamline the assistance process, easing the burden on affected communities. Residents, like Rick and Sondra Bork, who experienced significant losses from the floods, are precisely the individuals these DRCs aim to assist. "We didn’t really know what routes we needed to take," Rick told Spectrum News1, capturing the sentiment of uncertainty shared by many in the wake of such disasters. Bork's experience was equally harrowing, with her basement succumbing to the rising waters and the ensuing damage mandating a complete overhaul of the space.
While the DRCs offer an in-person resource for those seeking support, FEMA assistance remains accessible online and via telephone, ensuring that help is available in various forms to accommodate individual preferences and needs. For those wishing to get a head start or simply learn more about the assistance process, JSONLINE details that information on how to file for FEMA assistance can be acquired prior to the November 12 deadline.
