For those who suffered damage as a result of severe weather earlier this year, or the months-long flood that devastated parts of our community, time is running out to file applications for federal assistance.

The deadline to receive federal disaster assistance for physical damage with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Emergency Management is Nov. 19.

As part of the agencies’ ongoing efforts to reach those residents in the 8-county area declared a federal disaster area by President Trump, which includes Warren County, a Disaster Recovery Center remains open at the Vicksburg Mall, 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd.

Wednesday, it was announced the center’s hours of operation were being changed.

The office will remain open for residents to file applications for assistance Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday’s hours have been changed to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It was also announced Wednesday the center would be open Monday, which is Columbus Day.

“The holiday may be a good day to visit a DRC to meet with representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other state, federal and volunteer agencies,” the agencies said in a release Wednesday. “These personnel are available at DRCs to explain their programs and to offer guidance in navigating the FEMA application process.”

As of Tuesday, 180 Warren County residents had filed an application. Overall, in the 8-county disaster area, a total of 649 residents had filed applications.

Operated jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the DRCs provide one-on-one assistance to survivors of this year’s storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.

Additional details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.