(Trenton, NJ) -The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), announced today that the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in New Jersey will finalize operations this week.

"Help with questions about federal and state disaster assistance is still just a phone call away," said Federal Coordinating Officer Peter Martinasco of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Operators at the FEMA toll-free number remain available daily from 8.a.m. to 8 p.m. to help with the issues brought to us at the New Jersey DRCs."

The following DRCs will close as of 7 p.m. on August 2, 2006:

• The Warren County mobile DRC operating out of the State Police Barracks in Kingwood
• The Mercer County mobile DRC operating out of the West Ward Fire House in Trenton

"Closing the recovery centers does not mean we are closing down registrations for disaster assistance," said Acting Lieutenant William McDonnell, New Jersey State Coordinating Officer. "New Jersey residents whose homes and businesses were damaged in the floods storms still have until September 5th to register with FEMA by phone or on the Internet."

New Jersey residents who suffered damage after the flooding should call the toll-free application line 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All those affected are encouraged to apply immediately, the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is September 5. People may also register for assistance and find answers to their questions by visiting the user-friendly FEMA website: www.fema.gov.

The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also urging victims that received a loan application packet to complete and return their applications. Anyone with questions about SBA assistance should contact the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST. Disaster victims are reminded that to be considered for federal disaster assistance, including SBA's disaster loans, they must register with FEMA first.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

To stay informed about disasters and emergencies in New Jersey via social media, follow the NJOEM on Twitter @ReadyNJ, "like" us on www.facebook.com/READYNEWJERSEY, or get email and text message alerts via www.Nixle.com or www.njalert.gov.