1. WHAT IS A DRC?

2. A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a jointly operated Federal/State/Local facility intended to provide a single site where those suffering the effects of a disaster can apply for assistance.

3. Decision Making Process/Notification
Disaster happens
(Natural or Man-Made)
Local municipality County
State Governor declares a disaster
After recommendation from the Federal and State Coordinating Officers, the PEMA Director decides to open a DRC.

4. Decision Making/Notification Process…Continued
PEMA notifies the County Emergency Management Agency of the decision to open a DRC and requests location of a suitable facility and assistance in opening the DRC. Schools and churches should be avoided if possible.

5. Location and Building Specs
Location must be convenient for victims
Size: Approx. 40 X 70 ft.
Meets ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements (access and restrooms)
Adequate Parking
Bldg. Security
Luzerne County Community College

6. FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center

7. Set-Up Needs Tables/Chairs Phone/Fax Lines Internet Access
Smoke Alarms/Fire Extinguishers
Evacuation Floor Plan (posted)
Trash Cans
Toilet Paper/Paper Towels
Custodial Service
HVAC System Works Properly
Electrical System to support efforts
Computers, Fax Machines, Printers, Copiers, Laptops
Water For Staff and Visitors
Signs

8. Who Staffs the DRC? FEDERAL LEVEL FEMA MANAGER FEMA Staff
Small Business Administration
Internal Revenue Service
Social Security
Veterans Affairs
US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development

9. Who Staffs the DRC? STATE LEVEL PEMA MANAGER PEMA Staff PennDOT
Dept. of Revenue
Dept. of Public Welfare
Dept. of Aging
Dept. of Labor & Industry
PA Conservation Corps

10. Who Staffs the DRC? STATE LEVEL (cont.) PEMA MANAGER
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Public Utilities Commission
Dept. of Insurance
Dept. Community & Economic Development
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Health

11. Who Staffs the DRC? COUNTY LEVEL County EMA Public Health
Crisis Counselors
BAR Association
Elected Officials
VOAD Groups
Public Services

12. Who Staffs the DRC? COUNTY (cont.) Emergency Services
County Extension Office
County Housing Authority
Co. Dept. of Economic Development
Dept. of Human Services (Behavioral Health, Area Agency on Aging, and Personal Care Homes)

14. The Disaster Recovery Center
Disaster Unemployment
Crisis Counseling
Temporary Housing
Tetanus/Hep B Vaccinations
Replacement of Driver’s License
Well Water Test Kit
Clean-up Help
Utility Problems
SBA Loan
Replacement of birth/death certificates
Tax Assistance
Legal Advice
Animal Safety

15. Questions?
Contact Information:
Darlene E. Bracken
Emergency Management Specialist
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
276 Stormer Road
Indiana, PA
or 0106