MORGANTON, N.C. – Burke County leaders say the Disaster Recovery Center at the Foothills Higher Education Center on Sterling Street in Morganton will close on Saturday, January 18th. It has been operating since mid-October. They say residents who are still seeking assistance can go online, call, or go to other Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) that are still open. They say people who prefer in-person assistance with their post-Hurricane Helene needs can visit neighboring DRCs, which are open from 8 am-6 pm on weekdays, and from 9 am-2 pm on Saturdays. To find center locations, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a ZIP CODE to 43362. It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at https://www.disasterassistance.org, or via the FEMA App. You may also call 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Thursday, February 6th, 2025.