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Equipos de Relaciones a la Comunidad de FEMA Están llegando a los Sobrevivientes del Desastre de Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. – Equipos profesionales de recuperación por desastre del gobierno federal están llegando a los residentes de Connecticut a lo largo de la costa afectada para asegurarse que los sobrevivientes sepan que ayuda está disponible y como conseguirla.

Los equipos de Relaciones a la Comunidad de FEMA asesoran a dueños de viviendas, inquilinos, dueños de negocios, agencias sin fines de lucro que sean elegibles y a organizaciones de base de fe, en como registrarse para asistencia por desastre y pueden proveer acceso de registro cuando no hay otro recurso disponible. También pueden ayudar a identificar personas con discapacidad, las personas con necesidades de acceso y funcionales, las personas mayores de edad y las personas con dominio de inglés limitado.

Registrarse con FEMA es el paso más importante para obtener ayuda.

“Queremos que las personas sepan que se pueden registrar en línea, por teléfono inteligente o llamando al número gratuito. Cuanto antes se registren, más temprano podríamos ayudarles,” dijo: el Coordinador Federal Albert Lewis.

Fácilmente identificados por insignias con foto de FEMA, representantes de Relaciones a la Comunidad buscan cualquier lugar donde personas afectadas por el desastre podrían ser encontrados. Proporcionan información sobre el acceso a los recursos de recuperación, así como la Administración Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA por sus siglas en inglés), la cual ofrece préstamos a bajo interés por desastre para propietarios de viviendas, inquilinos y negocios de todos los tamaños.

Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en los condados designados ofrecen: asistencia uno a uno, información sobre recursos de recuperación, préstamos de bajo interés de SBA, seguros de inundación y mitigación.

Registración en línea está disponible en cualquier momento en: www.disasterassistance.gov/espanol. Si usted tiene un dispositivo habilitado para la red, introduzca m.fema.gov/esp en el navegador de la red. También se puede registrar llamando a FEMA al 800-621-3362. Si usa un TTY, llame al 800-462-7585, o, si utiliza Servicios de Retransmisión 711 o Servicio de Retransmisión de Video llamar 800-621-3362. Operadores plurilingües están disponibles.

Para asistencia de SBA llame 800-659-2955, o visite www.sba.gov/sandy.

Asistencia para recuperación por desastre está disponible sin distinción de raza, color, religión, nacionalidad, sexo, edad, discapacidad, destreza en inglés, o estatus económico. Si usted o alguien que usted conoce ha sido discriminado, llame a FEMA al número gratuito 800-621-FEMA (3362). Para TTY llame 800-462-7585.

La Administración Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA por sus siglas en inglés) es la fuente principal de dinero del gobierno federal para la reconstrucción a largo plazo de propiedad privada dañada por desastres. SBA ayuda a propietarios de viviendas, arrendatarios, negocios de todos los tamaños, y organizaciones sin fines de lucro a financiar reparaciones o esfuerzos de reconstrucción y cubre el costo de remplazar propiedad personal perdida o dañada por el desastre. Estos préstamos por desastre cubren perdidas que no han sido completamente cubiertas por los seguros u otras indemnizaciones y no duplican beneficios de otras agencias u organizaciones.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a nuestros ciudadanos y personal de primera respuesta para garantizar que como nación trabajemos juntos para construir, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos para, proteger contra, responder a, recuperarnos de y mitigar todos los peligros.

Equipos de Relaciones a la Comunidad de FEMA Están llegando a los Sobrevivientes del Desastre de Connecticut

Registración para Asistencia por Desastre en línea de FEMA Está Disponible 24/7

WINDSOR, Conn. – Los sobrevivientes del Huracán Sandy pueden registrarse con FEMA para asistencia por desastre en cualquier momento día o noche en línea en: www.disasterassistance.gov/espanol. Si usted tiene un dispositivo habilitado para la red, introduzca: m.fema.gov/esp en el navegador de la red.

El volumen de llamadas a la línea de registro gratuito para los sobrevivientes del Huracán Sandy es alto, pero el registro en línea puede pasar por alto cualquier espera potencial. Los sobrevivientes que no tienen acceso a una computadora en casa o que no tienen aparatos inteligentes pueden visitar un Centro de Recuperación por Desastre o una librería pública.

Los solicitantes aun se pueden registrar llamando a FEMA al: 800-621-3362. Si usted usa un TTY, llame 800-462-7585 directamente; si usted usa Servicio de Retransmisión 711 o Servicio de Retransmisión de Video, llame 800-621-3362. Operadores plurilingües están disponibles.

“La registración en línea es rápida y relativamente fácil,” dijo: el Oficial Coordinador Federal Albert Lewis. “Solo vaya a la página en la red y siga las instrucciones. Usted necesitará su número de Seguro Social, información del seguro del hogar disponible, una descripción de los daños, la ubicación de la propiedad y un numero de teléfono durante el día por si tenemos que contactarle.”

Propietarios de viviendas e inquilinos que sufrieron pérdidas en los condados designados deben registrarse para asistencia por desastre tales como: subvenciones para vivienda temporera o reparaciones esenciales para hacer de sus hogares seguros. Prestamos por desastre a bajo interés podrían estar disponibles a través de la Administración Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA por sus siglas en inglés).

This article:

Registración para Asistencia por Desastre en línea de FEMA Está Disponible 24/7

FEMA Mississippi Operations Transfer from Clinton to Biloxi

CLINTON, Miss. – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency/FEMA Joint Field Office and Operations Center will transfer to the Mississippi Recovery Office location in Biloxi on Nov. 21, and operate as a processing center.

The Clinton joint field office served as a hub for disaster operations following the landfall of Hurricane Isaac in Mississippi Aug. 28. The Biloxi recovery office was established in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina.

Before Isaac made landfall on the Gulf Coast, FEMA disaster personnel from across the country were on the ground to partner with the state to help individuals and communities.

At the height of response operations more than 800 FEMA personnel from every state, plus Canada, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico became part of the emergency response effort to support local and state emergency management. The staff included more than 60 Mississippians.

“The workforce we have brought here is an invaluable asset to Mississippi’s recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Terry Quarles. “We’re lucky to have a diverse group, including many Mississippians, all of whom possess a unique set of skills to help this state as it recovers from
Hurricane Isaac.”

Disaster personnel at the Clinton facility supported three recovery programs: Individual Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and Public Assistance.

The programs help Mississippi disaster survivors and communities recover from Hurricane Isaac, as well as ensure they are better prepared for future disasters.

Disaster personnel do more than assist in the state’s recovery. FEMA personnel also contribute to the local economy by occupying hotel rooms, eating at restaurants and shopping in stores.

More than 40 FEMA Corps volunteers also have contributed to the disaster response effort in Mississippi. FEMA Corps is part of a new program within AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps. These members are devoted solely to disaster response and recovery efforts.

Nearly 50 volunteer agencies and faith-based groups also contributed significantly to the recovery. Hard-hit individuals and families have benefitted from debris cleanup teams, chainsaw crews, tree removal, home repairs and other essential recovery services that have been provided for free.

As FEMA transitions the Clinton Joint Field Office, Mississippians should know that help is only a phone call or internet link away and the agency will continue to assist residents through to a full recovery.

To reach FEMA:

Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Visit m.fema.gov from a Smartphone.
Dial 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.
For those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362.

The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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FEMA Mississippi Operations Transfer from Clinton to Biloxi

FEMA Community Relations Teams Serving Milford Area

WINDSOR, Conn. – Disaster assistance for people who experienced damage or loss from Hurricane Sandy begins with the first step – registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Registration opens the way to FEMA grants, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other state and federal aid for eligible applicants.

Community Relations specialists are in the Milford area this week to explain available programs and assist people with the registration process if needed.

“It doesn’t matter if you have insurance because sometimes disaster assistance may be available to help with damages that insurance won’t cover,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “Registration is easy. Talk to the recovery specialists who are ready to help you through the process.”

People with storm losses who still need to register with FEMA can do so anytime online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime day or night by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. People who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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FEMA Community Relations Teams Serving Milford Area

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Essex, Hudson, Ocean and Salem Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit four newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) if they have questions about recovery programs. With these four, there are now 25 DRCs are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice in New Jersey.

Before going to a DRC, it is helpful to register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering

online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling

1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

DRCs allow residents to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists

are available to provide registration and other information, and to answer questions at the centers.

These include mitigation specialists who can provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

It is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance.

In addition to FEMA program specialists, customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions about the SBA low-interest disaster loan program, and to assist with disaster loan applications.

New DRC locations are:

Camden County Essex County

Public Works Building Willing Heart Community Care Center

2311 Egg Harbor Road 555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Lindewold, NJ 08016 Newark, NJ 07103

Hudson County Ocean County

Adjacent to Office Depot Bell Crest Plaza

59 Washington St. Store Front 4C

Hoboken, NJ 07030 953 Fischer Blvd.

Toms River, NJ 08753

DRC locations change frequently. The closest open offices can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative is to go to www.fema.gov and search for DRC locator.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is assigned. It can be accessed nationally.

Other DRCs in New Jersey are located in:

Atlantic County Bergen County

Atlantic City Convention Center Bergen County Plaza

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201 1 Bergen Plaza, 4^th Floor

Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 Hackensack, N.J. 07652

Burlington County Cape May County

Burlington Center Mall Cape May Courthouse Public Library

2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road 30 Mechanics St.

Suite 215 Cape May Courthouse, N.J. 08210

Burlington, NJ 08016

Cumberland County Gloucester County

Emergency Management Agency Office Government Services Building

637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level 1200 North Delsea Dr.

Bridgeton, N.J. 08302 Clayton, NJ 08312

Hudson County Hunterdon County

Jersey City Museum Hunterdon County

350 Montgomery St. Department of Public Safety Annex

Jersey City, NJ 07302 77 Park Ave.

Flemington, NJ 08822

Mercer County Middlesex County

Mercer County Community College Sayreville Senior Center

1200 Old Trenton Road 423 Main St.

West Windsor, NJ 08550 Sayreville, NJ 08872

Monmouth County Monmouth County

Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center Belmar Municipal Building

945 Hwy. 36 601 Main St.

Leonardo, N.J. 07737 Belmar, NJ 07719

Monmouth County Morris County

Union Beach Municipal Building Morris Plains Community Center

650 Poole Ave. 51 Jim Fear Dr.

Union Beach, NJ 07735 Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Ocean County Passaic County

Brick Township Civic Center Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Rd. 317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723 Patterson, NJ 07503

Salem County Somerset County

Penns Grove EMS Building Somerset County Human Services

25 East Griffith St. 27 Warren St.

Penns Grove, NJ 08069 Somerville, NJ 08876

Sussex County Union County

Sussex County Community College Chisholm School Community Center

1 College Hill Road 100 S. Springfield Ave.

Newton, NJ 07860 Springfield, NJ 07081

Warren County

Franklin Township Municipal Building

2093 Route 57

Broadway, NJ 08808

In addition to serving individuals in the DRCs, there are also SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) to serve business customers. SBA Customer Service Representatives are available to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses at BRCs at the following locations, until further notice:

Ocean County

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car

(Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and RT 72)

West Bay Avenue

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice

Bergen County Essex County

Bergen Community College Rutgers University

Small Business Development Center Small Business Development Center

355 Main Street, Room 121 25 James Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601 Newark, NJ 07102

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- Fri Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri

Hudson County Middlesex County

Small Business Development Center John F. Kennedy Library

New Jersey City University 500 Hoes Lane

285 West Side Avenue Piscataway, NJ 08854

Suites 189-191 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.- Sat.

Jersey City, NJ 07305 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- Fri

Monmouth County

Brookdale Community College

765 Newman Springs Road

Bankier Library, Room 246 (SBDC)

Lincroft, NJ 07738

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- Fri

Renters, homeowners and businesses applying that do not need one-on-one assistance do not need to visit a Center, they can apply for an SBA disaster loan online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Continue at source:

New Jersey Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Essex, Hudson, Ocean and Salem Counties

Beware of Scams After Hurricane Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster recovery officials caution New Jersey residents to be on the alert for scam artists using old and new tricks to obtain vital information or take advantage of storm-weary survivors.

Be aware of the following scams used by con artists after a disaster:

Identity Theft

People may pretend to be employed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or other government agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or public utilities. By going door-to-door to storm-damaged homes, or by phone or on the internet, con artists may try to obtain personal information such as Social Security and bank account numbers.

Remember:

A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not absolute proof of someone’s affiliation with these agencies. All authorized FEMA or SBA personnel display a laminated photo identification card, which they are required to wear at all times;

FEMA will request personal information only when the applicant first contacts FEMA. Survivors of Hurricane Sandy can register with FEMA in any of the following ways:

Online any time at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov
By phone at 800-621-FEMA (3362) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
By 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) at 800-621-3361 or (TTY) 800-462-758.

On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative would ask only for the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number.

False Payment or Bribe

Imposters may ask for some form of service payment, or bribe – something no FEMA, SBA or federal agency employee should ever do. FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage but do not determine cost estimates. FEMA does not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.

Con artists may pose as insurance specialists or expeditors, claiming they can convince FEMA to increase home repair damage aid or the insurer to pay a larger settlement. The scammers ask the applicant or policyholder to sign a contract giving them a percentage of the “increased” payment. The essence of the con is to take a percentage of the damage grant or policy settlement that would be given anyway. FEMA always deals directly with each applicant and is always willing to consider an appeal by sending a new inspector to review damaged property or claimed losses.

Home Repair Scams

Unregistered home improvement contractors may take the disaster survivor’s money and disappear, leaving unfinished work and unsafe homes. Before hiring a contractor, the survivor should check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered, as well as ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify the policy is valid. All contracts should be in writing, and reviewed before being signed. Full payment should not be made until the work is completed.

The local police department should be notified of suspected fraud.

Price Gouging

Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect the prices are too high.

Charity Scams

Before donating, people should investigate to be sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey and ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Consumer Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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Beware of Scams After Hurricane Sandy

New Jersey Hurricane Survivors Can Register for Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — Residents of 10 New Jersey counties who suffered damages from Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of the presidential disaster declaration made Oct. 30, 2012.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) announced jointly that assistance has been made available to residents of Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union counties.

Joint teams of federal, state and local recovery experts have conducted damage assessments across the state. Officials said additional counties may be added to the declaration.

Individual assistance for eligible homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for rental housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and some nonprofit organizations can register online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY 800-462-7585). These toll-free telephone numbers will operate 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. Disaster information and recovery resources are available directly from a smartphone browser at m.fema.gov/.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal disaster aid, even if a person has registered with another disaster relief organization such as the American Red Cross, local officials or churches. Registrants with FEMA must use the name exactly as it appears on their Social Security card. Applicants need to have the following information to register:

Social Security number
Address of the damaged home or apartment
Description of the damage
Information about insurance coverage
A current contact telephone number
An address where the applicant can get mail
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of any financial assistance.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Original article –

New Jersey Hurricane Survivors Can Register for Disaster Assistance

All New Jersey Residents and Governments Now Eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance

TRENTON, N.J. — The full range of federal disaster assistance is now available for all 21 counties in New Jersey.

Expansion of federal help in recovering from Hurricane Sandy means that all New Jersey residents who have losses may apply for Individual Assistance. Depending on damage, help may be available to repair a dwelling to a basic safe, sanitary, livable condition. Cost of temporary lodging elsewhere may be available if the residence is inaccessible. Other needs that may be covered could include basic appliances, clothing, bedding and transportation.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are available for those whose jobs were impacted by the hurricane. That includes people not normally eligible for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed persons and farm workers.

County and local governments will be eligible for at least 75 percent federal funding for hurricane-related emergency costs and debris removal from public roads and property, plus repair or replacement of a wide variety of public facilities. Those include public roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, public utilities, public parks, public recreation facilities and other public facilities.

Also eligible are certain private non-profit organizations that perform governmental-like public services.

Funding to prevent damage from future events also is available throughout New Jersey from the state-administered Hazard Mitigation Grant program.

Those who suffered hurricane damage may register with FEMA online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled cellphone or mobile device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. Users of 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Continue reading:

All New Jersey Residents and Governments Now Eligible for Federal Disaster Assistance

Watch Out For Fraudsters

TRENTON, N.J. — As many Garden State residents work to recover from Hurricane Sandy, state and federal officials are warning of a danger lurking around the corner: phony building contractors and other scam artists could soon appear in your community attempting to take advantage of your vulnerability as a disaster survivor.

There are a few simple steps that you can take to make sure you’re dealing with an honest person.

Your first and best defense is to know the most common post-disaster fraud practices.

Here are some of the fraudster’s favorites:

Phony housing inspectors: If your home’s damage is visible from the street, you may be especially vulnerable to the phony housing inspector who claims to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You should:

Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge if he or she does not offer to show it. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. All federal employees and contractors carry official, laminated photo identification.
Avoid giving bank account numbers to an inspector claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require banking information.
Understand that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They also do not determine cost estimates.

Fraudulent building contractors: Damage visible from the street can also bring out sham contractors who visit your home offering to begin work immediately. They take your money and disappear, leaving behind unfinished work and unsafe homes.

Before hiring a contractor, check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered.
Ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify that the policy is valid.
All contracts should be in writing, and reviewed before being signed.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: If someone claiming to be from FEMA or the state visits, calls

or emails you asking for your Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information, beware. That information could be sold to identity thieves or used to defraud you.

A twist on this scam is the phone or in-person solicitor who promises to speed up the

insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process. Then there are scam artists who promise

you a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Here’s what to do:

Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362.
Know that federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police.

Price Gouging: Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect prices are too high.

Charity Scams: Before donating, be sure to investigate to make sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey. Ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer

Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

From:

Watch Out For Fraudsters

New Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open in Mercer, Burlington, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and Monmouth Counties

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey residents who were affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit six newly-opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) if they have questions about recovery programs. Twenty-two DRCs across impacted areas are currently open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. – with the exception of one in Hoboken operating 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To serve the needs of those impacted by Hurricane Sandy, all centers are open until further notice including Veteran’s Day.

Before going to a DRC, it is helpful to register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

DRCs are set up for residents to be able to speak one-on-one to recovery representatives, but it is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance.

FEMA program specialists are available to provide registration and other information, and to answer questions at the centers. These include mitigation specialists who can provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

New DRC locations are:

Mercer County

Mercer County Community College

1200 Old Trenton Road

West Windsor, NJ 08550

Burlington County

Burlington Center Mall

2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road

Suite 215

Burlington, NJ 08016

Hunterdon County

Hunterdon County

Department of Public Safety Annex

77 Park Ave.

Flemington, NJ 08822

Warren County

Franklin Township Municipal Building

2093 Route 57

Broadway, NJ 08808

Sussex County

Sussex County Community College

1 College Hill Road

Newton, NJ 07860

Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building

601 Main St.

Belmar, NJ 07719

DRC locations change frequently. The closest open offices can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative is to go to www.fema.gov and search for DRC locator.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another state. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is given to the file. It can be accessed nationally.

Other DRCs open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in New Jersey are located in:

Atlantic County Bergen County

Atlantic City Convention Center Bergen County Plaza

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201 1 Bergen Plaza, 4^th Floor

Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 Hackensack, N.J. 07652

Cape May County Cumberland County

Cape May Courthouse Public Library Emergency Management Agency Office

30 Mechanics St. 637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level

Cape May Courthouse, N.J. 08210 Bridgeton, N.J. 08302

Gloucester County Hudson County

Government Services Building Jersey City Museum

1200 North Delsea Dr. 350 Montgomery St.

Clayton, NJ 08312 Jersey City, NJ 07302

Hudson County – special hours 8a.m to 5p.m.

adjacent to Police Department

59 Washington St.

Hoboken, N.J. 07030

Middlesex County Monmouth County

Sayreville Senior Center Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St. 945 Hwy. 36, Atlantic Highlands

Sayreville, NJ 08872 Leonardo, N.J. 07737

Monmouth County Morris County

Union Beach Municipal Building Morris Plains Community Center

650 Poole Ave. 51 Jim Fear Dr.

Union Beach, NJ 07735 Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Ocean County Passaic County

Brick Township Civic Center Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Rd. 317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723 Patterson, NJ 07503

Salem County Somerset County

Penns Grove EMS Building Somerset County Human Services

25 East Griffith St. 27 Warren St.

Penns Grove, NJ 08069 Somerville, NJ 08876

Union County

Chisholm School Community Center

100 S. Springfield Ave.

Springfield, NJ 07081

SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs)

SBA Customer Service Representatives are also available provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses at Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) at the following locations, until further notice:

Ocean County

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car

(Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and RT 72)

West Bay Avenue

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until further notice

Bergen County Essex County

Bergen Community College Rutgers University

Small Business Development Center Small Business Development Center

355 Main Street, Room 121 25 James Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601 Newark, NJ 07102

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- Fri Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

See original article here:

New Disaster Recovery Centers Now Open in Mercer, Burlington, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex and Monmouth Counties

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