The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s set up four field offices in the state to handle requests for aid in the Iowa counties that have received federal disaster designations. FEMA spokesman Lew Wood says the Disaster Recovery Centers are all temporary.They’ve been put in areas most affected by the floods, tornadoes and storms, and the DRC’s are in Bradgate, National, Mason City and Independence. Three of the centers are open from eight in the morning till 6 P.M. every day, except the one in Independence which is only open from 4-7 Sundays, all day the rest of the week. Wood explains the centers are for filing the paperwork that will bring federal aid for all kinds of disaster losses from housing assistance, rental resources, SBA low-interest loans and the rest. Any applicants who’ve suffered damage or loss because of the severe weather should first call the toll free number to start their application process, dialing 1-800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362). National is a small town in Clayton County northeast of Elkader.
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