A disaster recovery center opened September 30 to assist residents and business owners who were victims of recent flooding. Gwinnett County residents and business owners who sustained losses can visit the center, which is located in the Mountain Park Depot at 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn, between the hours of 8:00am to 7:00pm seven days a week to apply for federal emergency assistance. County government worked closely with FEMA and GEMA to establish the center, according to Gwinnett Emergency Management's Greg Swanson. The center will remain open until further notice.

Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said, "We are grateful to FEMA, GEMA and Gwinnett Emergency Management for their hard work to make sure Gwinnett County was included in the federal disaster declaration. Last week's flooding took a severe toll on many of our residents and their property. While recovery will take some time, I'm hopeful federal disaster aid will help those families and businesses in our community that need it to become whole again."

The federal declaration covers individual assistance and can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance. In addition, Gwinnett County government will also be eligible to receive federal funds for damage as a result of the recent floods.

In addition to visiting the Disaster Recovery Center, it is also possible to apply for aid online or by telephone. Applications can be submitted online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1.800.621.FEMA (3362) or 1.800.462.7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers will operate from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Sunday.

County Administrator Glenn Stephens said, "I'm very proud of what County workers did under sudden and often-changing conditions during the emergency phase last week. Now that we have moved beyond the life-safety crisis, our staff will continue to take any and all actions necessary and feasible to assist residents as they begin the recovery process."

FEMA/GEMA informational flyers
Disaster Assistance Is Available Now (English)
Assistencia Por Desastre Esta Disponible Ahora (Spanish)