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Need Help After the Storm? Visit a Disaster Recovery Center

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Hurricane Sandy survivors need face-to-face help, the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is the place to go. From Cumberland to Sussex, customer service representatives are ready to help in many ways and in multiple languages.

Thirty DRCs are now open seven days a week. Hours today until Thanksgiving are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except for Bay Head, which is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while its curfew remains in effect.)

All DRCs will be closed Thanksgiving Day and will reopen Friday, Nov. 23, with new hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except for Bay Head, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Meet face-to-face with representatives from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Services (NJOES), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other government and volunteer agencies to learn about:

Housing assistance and rental resources.
The status of an application.
Letters from FEMA.
SBA’s disaster loan programs and how to complete a loan application.
Multilingual assistance.
Strengthening a home.
Counseling services.
Other resources that may be available.

FEMA does not distribute cash, checks, debit cards or vouchers at recovery centers.

New Jersey DRCs are in the following locations:

Atlantic County Atlantic County

Atlantic City Convention Center Hamilton Mall

1 Convention Blvd., Room 201 4403 Blackhorse Pike (Route 322)

Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Bergen County Burlington County

Bergen County Plaza Burlington Center Mall

1 Bergen Plaza, 4^th Floor 2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road

Hackensack, NJ 07652 Suite 215

Burlington, NJ 08016

Camden County Cape May County

Public Works Building Cape May Courthouse Public Library

2311 Egg Harbor Road 30 Mechanics St.

Lindenwold, NJ 08021 Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210

Cape May County Cumberland County

Ocean City Community Center Emergency Management Agency Office

1735 Simpson Ave. 637 Bridgeton Ave., Lower Level

Ocean City, NJ 08226 Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Essex County Gloucester County

Willing Heart Community Care Center Government Services Building

555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. 1200 North Delsea Dr.

Newark, NJ 07103 Clayton, NJ 08312

Hudson County Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot Jersey City Museum

59 Washington St. 350 Montgomery St.

Hoboken, NJ 07030 Jersey City, NJ 07302

Hunterdon County Mercer County

Hunterdon County Mercer County Community College

Department of Public Safety Annex 1200 Old Trenton Road

77 Park Ave. West Windsor, NJ 08550

Flemington, NJ 08822

Middlesex County Monmouth County

Sayreville Senior Center Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St. 945 Hwy. 36

Sayreville, NJ 08872 Leonardo, NJ 07737

Monmouth County Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building Union Beach Municipal Building

601 Main St. 650 Poole Ave.

Belmar, NJ 07719 Union Beach, NJ 07735

Morris County Ocean County

Morris Plains Community Center Old Township Building

51 Jim Fear Drive 775 East Bay Ave.

Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Stafford, NJ 08050

Ocean County Ocean County

Bay Head Fire Station #1 Bell Crest Plaza Store Front 4C

81 Bridge Ave. 953 Fischer Blvd.

Bay Head, NJ 08742 Toms River, NJ 08753

Ocean County Passaic County

Brick Township Civic Center Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Rd. 317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723 Paterson, 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

Union County Warren County

Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Franklin Township Municipal Building

Service Center 2093 Route 57

400 E. Front St. Broadway, NJ 08808

Plainfield, NJ 07060

In addition to the DRCs, there are also SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) to serve business customers. SBA customer service representatives are available at BRCs to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for losses. They are at the following locations, until further notice:

Atlantic County Bergen County

Richard Stockton College Bergen Community College

Small Business Development Center Small Business Development Center

35 South Martin Luther King Blvd. 355 Main St., Room 121

Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cape May County Essex County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Rutgers University

13 Crest Haven Road Small Business Development Center

Cape May, NJ 08210 25 James St.

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Newark, NJ 07102

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

Hudson County Middlesex County

Small Business Development Center John F. Kennedy Library

New Jersey City University 500 Hoes Lane

285 West Side Ave., Suites 189 – 191 Piscataway, NJ 08854

Jersey City, NJ 07305 Hours: Mon. – Sat.10 a.m. to 5 p.m

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monmouth County Ocean County

Brookdale Community College Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

765 Newman Springs Road Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car

Bankier Library, Room 246 (SBDC) (Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and

Lincroft, NJ 07738 RT 72)

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

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Hours: Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Passaic County Union County

William Paterson University Kean University – SBDC

Small Business Development Center Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator

131 Ellison St. 320 Park Ave.

Paterson, NJ 07505 Plainfield, NJ 07060

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

All BRCs will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov.22.

Renters, homeowners and businesses 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

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.

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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Need Help After the Storm? Visit a Disaster Recovery Center

What to Expect From a FEMA Inspector

LINCROFT, N.J. — The arrival of a housing inspector is a vital step in determining both the amount and types of housing assistance FEMA may provide.

Survivors seeking housing assistance must first register with FEMA. Applicants who register will be given a personal application number. The number is used throughout the disaster assistance process. Survivors should record the number and keep it secure and handy for all future dealings with FEMA.

A FEMA housing inspector will call survivors if they need a housing inspection and set up a time for a visit. The inspector usually comes within 14 days after the survivor applies. The inspector will have the application number assigned at registration.

When the FEMA inspector calls, write down:

Inspector’s name
Date(s) of calls
Date(s) and time(s) of appointment(s), and
Inspector’s telephone number.

Inspectors are contractors, not FEMA employees, who have been hired by FEMA to conduct the inspection. Every contractor has an official identification badge. Ask to see the badge if it is not visible during the inspection.

Remember, FEMA never charges a fee for an inspection. The inspector will never ask for bank information. FEMA inspectors verify damage; but do not hire or endorse specific contractors or recommend repairs. Inspectors do not determine cost estimates, but provide confirmation of the existing damage, from which costs estimates are calculated.

It is important to meet with the inspector to avoid delays in the inspection process. Those who cannot be present for the scheduled appointment can appoint someone 18 or older who lived in the house before the disaster to stand in during the inspection.

The inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes but can be shorter, and consists of a general inspection of damaged areas of the home and a review of the survivor’s records.

When the inspector arrives, be prepared to provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport or other official photo ID. Inspectors also require written proof of home ownership, such as a tax receipt, mortgage payment book or home insurance policy showing the property’s address. If proof of ownership is not available, the inspector will complete the inspection, but proof of ownership must be provided to FEMA.

Most applicants receive a written response from FEMA regarding a decision within 7 to 10 days after the inspection.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and private insurance companies also have inspectors in the field in New Jersey.

To date, FEMA housing inspectors have completed 80 percent of the more than 92,000 inspections requested by disaster survivors in New Jersey.

Survivors may 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.

Anyone in New Jersey who suffered losses from Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for disaster 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.

See more here:

What to Expect From a FEMA Inspector

New Jersey Adds Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in Cape May, Ocean and Union Counties

LINCROFT, N.J. — Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can now visit newly opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Cape May, Ocean, and Union counties if they have questions about recovery programs. There are now 30 DRCs open daily. The center in Bay Head will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. while the curfew there remains in effect. All others are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All DRCs in New Jersey will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22; they will reopen on Friday, Nov. 23, with a permanent change in hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

Before going to a DRC, it is helpful to register with FEMA. Apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by a 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.

At DRCs visitors can speak one-on-one to recovery representatives. FEMA program specialists provide registration and other information, and answer questions. FEMA mitigation specialists provide guidance on cost-effective rebuilding and repair techniques to reduce property damage in future disasters.

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

The new DRC locations are:

Cape May County Ocean County

Ocean City Community Center Old Township Building

1735 Simpson Ave. 775 East Bay Ave.

Ocean City, NJ 08226 Stafford, NJ 08050

Union County

Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Service Center

400 E. Front St.

Plainfield, NJ 07060

DRC locations change frequently. Updates can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm. An alternative site is www.fema.gov; search DRC Locator.

An applicant may go to any DRC, even if it is located in another county or state but it is not necessary to visit a center to receive disaster assistance. Once an application has been made, a FEMA registration number is assigned that can be accessed nationally.

The following is a list of DRC locations in New Jersey:

Atlantic County Bergen County

Atlantic City Convention Center Bergen County Plaza

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

Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Hackensack, NJ 07652

Burlington County Camden County

Burlington Center Mall Public Works Building

2501 Burlington – Mount Holly Road 2311 Egg Harbor Road

Suite 215 Lindenwold, NJ 08021

Burlington, NJ 08016

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, NJ 08210 Bridgeton, NJ 08302

Essex County Gloucester County

Willing Heart Community Care Center Government Services Building

555 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. 1200 North Delsea Drive

Newark, NJ 07103 Clayton, NJ 08312

Hudson County Hudson County

Adjacent to Office Depot Jersey City Museum

59 Washington St. 350 Montgomery St.

Hoboken, NJ 07030 Jersey City, NJ 07302

Hunterdon County Mercer County

Hunterdon County Mercer County Community College

Department of Public Safety Annex 1200 Old Trenton Road

77 Park Ave. West Windsor, NJ 08550

Flemington, NJ 08822

Middlesex County Monmouth County

Sayreville Senior Center Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center

423 Main St. 945 Highway 36

Sayreville, NJ 08872 Leonardo, NJ 07737

Monmouth County Monmouth County

Belmar Municipal Building Union Beach Municipal Building

601 Main St. 650 Poole Ave.

Belmar, NJ 07719 Union Beach, NJ 07735

Morris County Ocean County

Morris Plains Community Center Bell Crest Plaza

51 Jim Fear Drive Store Front 4C

Morris Plains, NJ 07950 953 Fischer Blvd.

Toms River, NJ 08753

Ocean County Passaic County

Brick Township Civic Center Passaic County Department of Health

270 Chambers Bridge Road 317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Brick, NJ 08723 Paterson, 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 the DRCs, there are also SBA Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) for business customers. SBA customer service representatives are available at BRCs to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance for business losses. They are at the following locations, until further notice:

Atlantic County Bergen County

Richard Stockton College Bergen Community College

Small Business Development Center Small Business Development Center

35 South Martin Luther King Blvd. 355 Main St., Room 121

Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Hackensack, NJ 07601

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cape May County Essex County

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Rutgers University

13 Crest Haven Road Small Business Development Center

Cape May, NJ 08210 25 James St.

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Newark, NJ 07102

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

Hudson County Middlesex County

Small Business Development Center John F. Kennedy Library

New Jersey City University 500 Hoes Lane

285 West Side Ave., Suites 189 – 191 Piscataway, NJ 08854

Jersey City, NJ 07305 Hours: Mon. – Sat.10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monmouth County Ocean County

Brookdale Community College Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

765 Newman Springs Road Stafford Heritage Park Train Station and Rail Car

Bankier Library, Room 246 (SBDC) (Across from Manahawkin Lake between RT 9 and

Lincroft, NJ 07738 RT 72)

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

Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Hours: Mon – Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Passaic County Union County

William Paterson University Kean University – SBDC

Small Business Development Center Business One-Stop Service – The Incubator

131 Ellison St. 320 Park Ave.

Paterson, NJ 07505 Plainfield, NJ 07060

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

All BRCs will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov.22.

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 post:

New Jersey Adds Additional Disaster Recovery Centers in Cape May, Ocean and Union Counties

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Lowe’s This Weekend

WINDSOR, Conn. – An outreach team from FEMA will be at the Lowe’s home improvement store in Milford this weekend to explain techniques that may reduce potential damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding.

Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer “how-to” information for retrofitting buildings and elevating utilities. They will also provide clean-up tips to help prevent mold and mildew.

The FEMA team will be at the Lowe’s store at 311 Old Gate Lane in Milford from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 18.

Information will include instructions on how to:

Relocate circuit breaker panels, outlets and switches above potential floodwaters
Move washer and dryer hookups to a higher floor
Elevate furnaces and water heaters
Prevent sewer backups with a backflow valve

More information on ways to protect your home from future disasters is available at www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities.

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.

Source:

Learn Rebuilding Techniques at Lowe’s This Weekend

Stay in Touch with FEMA and Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up-to-Date

WINDSOR, Conn. – Hurricane Sandy survivors who have already registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are urged to keep in touch with the agency, especially if they have been displaced by the disaster.

Survivors who have registered for assistance should keep their contact information current to ensure timely delivery of important assistance updates.

Keeping one’s contact information current with FEMA will also help connect survivors with FEMA’s home inspectors. Unnecessary delays may occur if an inspector is unable to reach an applicant by phone to schedule an appointment. Applicants are also urged to keep their appointments with home inspectors in order to avoid delays.

Applicants who need to update their contact information or who have questions regarding their application can visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help or call the toll-free FEMA helpline, 1-800-621-3362, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.

Storm survivors who have not registered yet are urged to do so immediately online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device, tablet or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

By calling the helpline or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, survivors can:

Update their file with a change of address or new phone number.
Ask questions about disaster assistance.
Track the progress of their FEMA application.
Get information about the inspection process.
Learn about the steps to appeal a FEMA decision.

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Stay in Touch with FEMA and Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up-to-Date

Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

TRENTON, N.J.– It’s important to know the difference between myth and fact in the aftermath of a hurricane. Survivors need accurate information on registering for FEMA aid and on what they may be eligible to receive. The best rule of thumb: if you’re unsure if you are eligible for assistance, go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs can call 1-800-462-7585, or 1-800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service.

Here are some common misunderstandings:

MYTH: I’ve already cleaned up the damage to my home and had the repairs made. Isn’t it too late to register once the work is done?
FACT: You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair costs, even if repairs are complete.
MYTH: I’m a renter. I thought FEMA assistance was only for homeowners for home repairs.
FACT: FEMA assistance is not just for homeowners. FEMA may provide assistance to help renters who lost personal property or who were displaced.
MYTH: FEMA assistance could affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.
FACT: FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and is not considered taxable income.
MYTH: My insurance agent told me I could not get help from FEMA because I have flood insurance.
FACT: Even if you have flood insurance you should register. FEMA may be able to help with uninsured costs.
MYTH: I heard registration involves a lot of red tape and paperwork.
FACT: There is no paperwork to register with FEMA. The process is very easy and normally takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
MYTH: I believe FEMA only makes loans so I didn’t apply for help because I don’t want a loan.
FACT: FEMA only provides grants. The grants may cover expenses for temporary housing, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property and other disaster-related needs such as medical, dental or transportation costs not covered by insurance or other programs. They don’t have to be repaid.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may receive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but if they don’t complete the application they may not be considered for other federal grant programs.
MYTH: Since I received disaster assistance last year, I’m sure I can’t get it again this year.
FACT: Assistance may be available if you suffered damages from a new federally declared disaster.
MYTH: My income is probably too high for me to qualify for disaster assistance.
FACT: Income is not a consideration for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants may cover uninsured losses.
MYTH: I don’t want to apply for help because others had more damage than I had; they need the help more than me.
FACT: FEMA has enough funding to assist all eligible survivors with their disaster related needs.

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.

Follow this link:

Myth vs. Fact About Registering For FEMA Aid

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.

Continued here:

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.

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

FEMA Online Help Digest

Individuals, families and business owners in all New Jersey Counties may qualify for aid programs provided and coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The following is a summary and list of online resources for survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

Residents can also get disaster-related information by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov or calling the FEMA helpline 24/7 at 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.

Residents can also access information on assistance available to help with recovery needs by visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find the nearest DRC: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance.

Assistance for affected individuals, families, and businesses may include:

Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Benefits may be extended for up to 18 months, based on a review of individual applicant requirements. Rental listings on the FEMA Housing Portal at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm.
Short-term lodging assistance for evacuees who are not able to return home for an extended or indeterminate period of time following a disaster. FEMA may provide Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA) in hotels and motels to those who continue to need housing after shelters have closed because they are unable to return to their homes. To find participating hotels visit http://www.femaevachotels.com.
Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional. To start the application process and for additional information: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ .
Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. More applications and more information: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm.
Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals. These benefits are made available to individuals not covered by other unemployment compensation programs, such as self-employed, farmers, migrant and seasonal workers. All unemployed individuals must register with New Jersey’s employment services office before they can receive DUA benefits. New Jersey disaster unemployment benefits site: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ui/aftrfile/dua.html.
Low-interest Small Business Administration disaster loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance. Loans available up to $200,000 for primary residence; $40,000 for personal property, including renter losses. http://www.sba.gov/content/home-and-personal-property-loans.
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans up to $2 million for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster’s adverse economic impact. This loan in combination with a property loss loan cannot exceed a total of $2 million. http://www.sba.gov/content/business-physical-disaster-loans.
U.S. Department of Agriculture loans up to $500,000 for farmers, ranchers and aquaculture operators to cover production and property losses, excluding primary residence. Applications for emergency loans must be received within 8 months of the county’s disaster or quarantine designation date. Program information available at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=efl. To find the Nearest USDA service center: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=us&agency=fsa.
Other programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters. http://www.fema.gov/additional-assistance#1
There is a wealth of resources about New Jersey’s programs for disaster survivors. http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lwdhome/content/SandyHelpCenter.html.
For a summary of specific programs for which applications may be submitted on line: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/disaster-assistance/browse-by-category/category/D05.

How to Apply for Assistance:

To begin the disaster registration process, residents and business owners in all 21 New Jersey counties can register 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.

The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a weekly until further notice.

Before registering, applicants should gather the following basic information to speed up the process:

Social Security number;
Telephone number where he or she can be reached;
Address of the damaged property;
Current address;
Brief description of disaster-related damages and losses;
Insurance information; and
Bank account information. (Because many residents are relocating, mailed checks may not reach them FEMA strongly encourages applicants to provide account and routing numbers to enable direct deposit of assistance funds.)

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.

Read article here –

FEMA Online Help Digest

Make Sure All Your Friends and Neighbors Contact FEMA for Assistance

WINDSOR, Conn. – FEMA grants are helping thousands of Connecticut families recover from Hurricane Sandy, but you might have neighbors, friends or family members who have not registered for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Common misconceptions about registration may have discouraged them from registering.

“The important thing to tell all your friends and neighbors throughout the community is to register,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis. “That one step may unlock grants, low-interest loans, disaster unemployment assistance, and other state or federal aid. And registering is as easy as using a computer or smartphone, or calling a phone number, whether accessing us through an 800 number, through TTY, or our accessible website.”

Your neighbors might say they have not registered with FEMA because they have insurance.

Explain they may be eligible for help with uninsured or underinsured losses, and sometimes damage is found insurance won’t cover but federal disaster assistance may. But your neighbor must register with FEMA to get the help.

If your friend is still waiting for a visit from an insurance adjuster or for an insurance settlement, tell them to go ahead and register with FEMA before the registration deadline because the settlement might come after the deadline has passed.

Friends or neighbors should go ahead with necessary repairs to make their house livable and be sure to keep papers and receipts for all work.

Some friends, neighbors or family members believe they make too much money to apply for assistance.

Most federal and state disaster assistance programs are available to individuals of all income levels. The types of help provided depend on each applicant’s unique circumstances and unmet needs. The aid is to help individuals and communities come back as quickly as possible from a disaster.

Sometimes folks think they do not have enough damage to their homes to apply for assistance.

The damage caused by storms and the costs associated with repairs or rebuilding may not be apparent for some time. By registering with FEMA now, you may be eligible for assistance if you find damage later.

Assure friends, neighbors or family members that FEMA disaster assistance will not interfere with federal assistance they are already receiving.

Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, medical waiver programs, welfare assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or other state programs), food stamps, Supplemental Security Income, or Social Security Disability Insurance.

People with storm losses should register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, with a smartphone or device at m.fema.gov. Applicants can also register by phone by calling FEMA at: 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585.

Survivors who have questions about their registration may call the FEMA helpline at the numbers listed above or go to a Disaster Recovery Center for assistance.

For accessibility: The recommended font type is sans serif 12 point for regular print and sans serif 18 point when specifically printed for people with vision impairments.

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Make Sure All Your Friends and Neighbors Contact FEMA for Assistance

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