Brevard County residents who suffered losses and damage as a result of Hurricane Nicole can get information about disaster assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) opening Sunday, Dec. 18. The hours of operation are 9 a.m.- 6p.m. daily.

The Disaster Recover Center is located at the UF/Brevard County Extension Center, 3695 Lake Dr., Cocoa, FL., 32926.

Representatives from the State of Florida, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other resources are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

If possible, individuals seeking assistance should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. To register, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in multiple languages and phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Please have the following to apply online or in-person at the Disaster Recovery Center:

- Contact Information (telephone number, mailing address, social security number)
- Household income
- Address of damaged home or apartment
- Description of damage/lost items
- Photos of your damaged home and belongings
- Information about insurance coverage
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.
Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for individuals who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and registration assistance.

Some services may include:

- Status of FEMA application
- Disaster recovery guidance
- Clarification of any written correspondence received
- Housing assistance and rental resources information
- Answers to questions, resolutions to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance