New Jersey residents whose homes and properties sustained damage in Hurricane Irene have until Nov. 30 to register for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Even if an insurance settlement has not been determined, individuals must register before the Nov. 30 deadline or face losing the opportunity to be considered for federal assistance. Though FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits, expenses not covered by insurance may be eligible for federal grants after the claim has been paid.
Two remaining Disaster Recovery Centers in Essex and Passaic counties will also close Nov. 30. The centers, which operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., provide face-to-face answers to questions for those who have already registered. Applicants are reminded to keep their FEMA information updated, register before visiting the centers, but not to register more than once. Duplicate registrations will delay processing an application.
To register or to contact FEMA: Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free, 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.
DRC locations:
ESSEX COUNTY
Fairfield Community Center
376 Hollywood Ave.
Fairfield, NJ 07004
PASSAIC COUNTY
Paterson Museum
2 Market St.
Paterson, NJ 07501
Residents with flood insurance claims have until Jan. 23 to submit complete, signed and sworn-to proof of loss claims to their National Flood Insurance Program providers.
