FEMA is shutting down its Roswell offices this Saturday while sending staff to assist with California fires
While the Roswell office shuts down, at least one FEMA employee is heading to California to help with ongoing wildfires. They’ll still work with New Mexico’s emergency management team to provide support.
The application period for federal disaster assistance from the floods just wrapped up, but residents can still submit late applications within 60 days. They’ll need to explain their delay, though, either by phone, in writing, or in person.
The Disaster Recovery office in the Roswell Mall will close for good after 5 p.m. on Saturday. For help, folks can check out FEMA’s resources online or call their helpline any day of the week.
Maria Padron, a FEMA employee for 25 years, is one of the staff members being reassigned to the California fires. She shared that her city needs her, and she’s ready to help.
In a recent chat, she emphasized the importance of being prepared for disasters. Even if you’re not directly affected, it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings and have an emergency kit ready.
Padron also mentioned that while she lives in a safe area, she knows people who have lost their homes in the fires. Each disaster is unique, and she’s learned valuable lessons from her experiences in Roswell and Ruidoso that will guide her work in California.
