DisasterAssistance.gov FEMA.govSBA.gov June 8, 2011 - The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center in the South Knox Optimist Club Building at Gary Underwood Park at noon on Thursday.

Gary Underwood Park is located at 6135 Moore Road.

The center - which will offer assistance to eligible individuals and businesses in Knox County who suffered losses as a result of the violent storms in late April - will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday.

Representatives from FEMA, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand at the center to discuss disaster assistance programs and help residents apply for assistance.

Knox County residents seeking disaster relief help don't have to go to the center, however. They can also access FEMA and other sources of relief by phone or online.

A FEMA representative explained earlier this week that the agency's disaster relief is not a substitute for insurance coverage but can supplement it in some instances. The Small Business Administration can also provide long-term, low-interest loans in some cases.

To get access to federal help individuals must register with FEMA and that can be done by phone, online or in person.

To register or get help from FEMA:

Call the Helpline at 800-621-3362 (the TTY number is 800-462-7585); or Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov; or Go to the Disaster Recovery Center

A FEMA release notes that it is important for individuals seeking relief to know the exact date or dates when the damage occurred.

For more information about U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations please call 800-659-2955 (TTY line is 800-877-8339) or go online to www.sba.gov.

DIRECTIONS: To get to Gary Underwood Park from downtown Knoxville take Chapman Highway south to Stone Road; follow Stone Road and continue straight when it turns into Magazine Road; follow Magazine Road to Moore Road and turn right on Moore; follow Moore Road for a short distance and the park will be on your right.