FEMA Opens Flood Response Office for Connecticut Flood Insurance Policyholders

National Flood Insurance policyholders who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy and who have questions about their flood insurance claims can get help from a new office in Meriden.

Those with questions about their homeowners insurance, which does not cover flood-related claims, should direct their inquiries to the state Insurance Department.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program has opened a Flood Response Office to service both National Flood Insurance Program policyholders and the agents who write those policies.

The Flood Response Office is located at 1064 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, until further notice. The contact person at the office is NFIP General Adjuster Jim Cavazos. The office will remain open for as long as there is a need for the service.

The Flood Response Office will coordinate with insurance companies that write flood policies and the NFIP Direct Servicing Agent to provide guidance, define the scope of coverage, assist with the reinspection of losses and answer policyholders’ questions. The office number is 203-634-1118.

The Connecticut Insurance Department has a number that policyholders can call if they are having issues with their insurance companies related to homeowners insurance claims or other insurance matters in the wake of Sandy. Call the Consumer Helpline at 860-297-3900 or 800- 203-3447.

Policyholders can also email their questions or complaints to the Insurance Department at: cid.ca@ct.gov or visit the Department’s Web site at http://ct.gov/cid

For more information on National Flood Insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

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.

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.

See the original article here – 

FEMA Opens Flood Response Office for Connecticut Flood Insurance Policyholders

New Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Kings, Nassau Counties

NEW YORK – The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have new Disaster Recovery Centers in Kings and Nassau counties to assist Hurricane Sandy survivors.

Locations and hours of the centers are:

Kings County
MCU parking lot
1904 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Nassau County
Meadowmere Park
14 Meyer Ave.
Lawrence, NY 11559
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Fri., Dec. 14

Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get face-to-face help as quickly as possible.

In addition to the new sites in Kings and Nassau counties, about 25 other recovery centers remain open throughout New York to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Anyone who sustained damage in counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any of the centers. 

To find the nearest center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the DRC locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

This article is from:  

New Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Kings, Nassau Counties

Centro De Recuperación Por Desastres Cerraran En Los Condados Occidentales De New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. — Nueve Centros de Recuperación por Desastre en la zona occidental de Nueva Jersey cerrarán durante la próxima semana y media. 

Los funcionarios estatales y federales han estado prestando mucha atención a cuantos solicitantes están visitando los centros en todo el estado. Durante las últimas semanas, el número de personas que buscan ayuda en centros de recuperación por desastres en los condados occidentales ha disminuido, en el cual indica que las necesidades de información  de los sobrevivientes de desastres han sido satisfechas.

Especialistas en catástrofes alientan a los solicitantes en el oeste de Nueva Jersey a visitar estos centros mientras estén abiertos. Después de que estos centros cierren, un solicitante puede ir a cualquier Centro de recuperación por desastre (DRC, por sus siglas en inglés), aunque se encuentre en otro condado o estado.

Los Horarios finales son los siguientes:

Los DRC de Cumberland, Mercer y Morris estarán abiertos esta semana durante el Sábado, 08 de diciembre de 9 am. a 7p.m, cerrando el 8 de diciembre a las 7 p.m.

Los DRC de Burlington, Gloucester y Warren estarán abiertos desde el lunes 10 de diciembre hasta el miércoles 12 de diciembre, de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m., cerrando el 12 de diciembre a las 7 p.m.

Los DRC de Salem, Somerset y Sussex estarán abiertos desde el jueves 13 de diciembre hasta el lunes 15 de diciembre, de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m., cerrando el 15 de diciembre a las 7 p.m.

Los DRC le permiten a los residentes hablar cara a cara con los representantes de recuperación. Los especialistas de programa de FEMA están disponibles para proporcionar solicitudes y otras informaciones, y responder preguntas en los centros.  Estos incluyen especialistas de mitigación que pueden proporcionar orientación sobre reconstrucciones económicas, y técnicas de reparación para reducir el daño a la propiedad en desastres futuros.

Además de los especialistas de programa de FEMA, los representantes de servicio de atención al cliente de la Agencia para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) están disponibles para responder preguntas sobre el programa de préstamos a bajo interés para desastres de la del SBA, y ayudar con las solicitudes de préstamos para desastre.

Las ubicaciones de los DRC pueden cambiar. Las oficinas abiertas más cercana se puede encontrar en línea en FEMA.gov/DRC.

No es necesario visitar un DRC para solicitar asistencia federal.

Las personas pueden solicitar ayuda y hacerle seguimiento a una solicitud previa inscribiéndose en línea en

el sitio DisasterAssistance.gov/espanol, o con un dispositivo móvil habilitado para navegar en la red en m.fema.gov/esp. Por telefono o 711/VRS, Llame al 800-621-3362 (FEMA) o TTY 800-462-7585.

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a todos los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta y garantizar que, como país, trabajemos juntos para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de preparación, protección, respuesta, recuperación y mitigación ante todos los peligros.

Siga a FEMA en línea en www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema  y www.youtube.com/fema. También siga las actividades del Administrador Craig Fugate en www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

Los enlaces de medios sociales provistos son únicamente para referencia. FEMA no promueve sitios web, compañías o aplicaciones que no sean del gobierno.

Original post: 

Centro De Recuperación Por Desastres Cerraran En Los Condados Occidentales De New Jersey

El Estrés Por El Desastre y Los Adultos Mayores

TRENTON, N.J. —  Muchos sobrevivientes del huracán Sandy sufren estrés adicional ultimamente. Pero la ansiedad relacionada con el desastre puede ser especialmente intensa para los adultos mayores, especialmente aquellos que viven solos o aislados de sus amigos y familiares.

Debido a su edad y otras circunstancias únicas, los adultos mayores a menudo reaccionan de manera muy diferente que la gente más joven ante eventos catastróficos. Es común que luego de un desastre se vuelvan ratraídos o estén alterados, desorientados y confundidos.

Los familiares, amigos, vecinos y personas a cargo de su cuidado deben tener esto en cuenta y estar listos para proteger su salud mental y física. Esté atento a los siguientes síntomas de estrés en adultos mayores:

  • Miedo a perder su independencias debido a una lesión causada por el desastre o la pérdida de su vivienda. Este puede ser el mayor trauma para una persona mayor luego de un desastre.
  • Problemas para hablar con la gente y responder preguntas. Las dificultades para comunicarse luego de un desastre pueden aumentar debido a factores como un proceso mental más lento en relación con la edad, problemas de visión y audición y una movilidad reducida.
  • El estigma de la “asistencia social”. Muchos adultos mayores tienen reservas o incluso se niegan a aceptar ayuda del gobierno porque ellos siempre han “pagado por lo suyo”. Su renuencia a aceptar asistencia puede verse intensificada por la falta de conocimiento acerca de los servicios gubernamentales para los que pueden reunir los requisitos.
  • Recuerdos o imágenes de otros eventos de sus vidas en los que resultaron traumatizados o sufrieron pérdidas graves.
  • Ansiedad provocada por la falta de capacidad para leer y poco dominio del idioma inglés.
  • Preocupación por recursos financieros limitados y tener tiempo suficiente para reconstruir sus hogares.
  • Miedo a ser internados en centros porque no pueden regresar a una vivienda destruida por el desastre.
  • Aislamiento y alejamiento de sus familiares y amigos.
  • En casos severos, las personas mayores pueden sufrir cambios de personalidad luego de un desastre.

Debido a que es posible que los ancianos estén tomando medicamentos para sus afecciones de salud, es importante asegurarse de que se encuentran médicamente estables antes de decidir si alguno de los síntomas antes mencionados se debe a un estrés emocional.

También es importante tener en cuenta que las personas mayores tiene décadas de experiencia y fortalezas desarrolladas al haber enfrentado desastres y adversidad anteriormente.

Las personas que viven o trabajan con adultos mayores que se han visto afectados por el huracán Sandy pueden tomar medidas para controlar y mejorar su salud mental:

  • Tranquilícelos constantemente con sus palabras.
  • Ayúdelos a recuperar sus pertenencias personales.
  • Ayúdelos a reestablecer el contacto con sus familiares, amigos y redes sociales.
  • Ayúdelos a encontar una residencia alternativa adecuada hasta que puedan volver a su hogar, idealmente en un entorno que les resulte familiar con amigos o conocidos.
  • Visítelos con frecuencia en su hogar y organice para que otras personas los visiten.
  • Asegúrese de que tengan asistencia médica y financiera.
  • Proporcióneles transporte al médico, al supermercado, etc.
  • Reestablezca y controle sus necesidades nutricionales y de medicamentos.

Las personas mayores y sus familiares y amigos que busquen información adicional acerca del asesoramiento y los servicios para combatir el estrés deben comunicarse con sus agencias locales de salud mental. El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de New Jersey está coordinando iniciativas en todo el estado para ayudar a las personas y a las comunicades a manejar el impacto emocional de la tormenta. Los asesores para casos de crisis actualmente ofrecen apoyo y asistencia en Centros de Recuperación por Desastre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en inglés) según sea necesario. 

Además de proporcionar asesoramiento para casos de crisis por desastre en forma personalizada, el estado ofrece material informativo acerca de cómo afrontar estas situaciones y colabora con la Asociación de Salud Mental de New Jersey para ofrecer asistencia a través de una línea de ayuda gratuita: 877-294-4357 (también funciona para usuarios del Servicio de Transmisión de Video [VRS, por sus siglas en inglés] y el servicio 711) o TTY 877-294-4356. Puede encontrar más información acerca del estrés relacionado con un desastre en el sitio web: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/.

Para acceder posibles fotografías: Vea las siguientes páginas.

La Cruz Roja ofrece asistencia a los sobrevivientes del huracán Sandy (ID: 60611)

Especialistas en Relaciones Comunitarias hablan con sobrevivientes de Sandy (ID: 60564)

Especialista en Relaciones Comunitarias de FEMA presta asistencia a los residentes de New Jersey (ID: 60443)

La misión de FEMA es apoyar a los ciudadanos y a las agencias de primera respuesta para garantizar que trabajemos juntos como nación para desarrollar, mantener y mejorar nuestra capacidad de prepararnos, protegernos, y recuperarnos de los peligros, responder ante ellos y mitigarlos.

Siga a FEMA en línea en www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, y www.youtube.com/fema. También, siga las actividades de administrador Craig Fugate en www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

Los enlaces a redes sociales se proporcionan solamente a manera de referencia. FEMA no endosa ninguna página de Internet, compañía o aplicación no gubernamental. 

Read more: 

El Estrés Por El Desastre y Los Adultos Mayores

27 New York Disaster Recovery Centers Still Open To Serve Hurricane Survivors

NEW YORK – Five weeks after Hurricane Sandy howled into meteorological history, the State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue at full pace to assist survivors of the devastating storm.

Twenty-seven New York Disaster Recovery Centers remain in place to provide one-on-one, face-to-face help to people rebuilding their homes and lives following the hurricane. Most are open seven days a week. 

Recovery centers throughout New York have cumulatively hosted more than 83,000 Sandy survivors since Nov. 1, when storm winds had barely stopped blowing. To most conveniently serve the public, centers have been positioned in various neighborhoods, boroughs and counties. They have operated in locations ranging from churches to parks, government buildings, stores and a library.  

County by county and borough by borough, current New York locations and hours of operation are: 

Nassau
Recreation and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd.
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Sacred Heart Parish
RR station parking lot
127 Long Beach Rd.
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Rd. East
Seaford, NY 11783
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Marjorie Post Community Center
477 Unqua Rd.
Massapequa, NY 11758
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Rd.
Freeport, NY 11520
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Young Israel
859 Peninsula Blvd.
Woodmere, NY 11598
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun-Thurs
            8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri
            Closed Sat

Queens
Fort Tilden Park
415 State Rd.
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon-Sun

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Ave.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Blvd.
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Storefront
1001 Beach 20th St.
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Arverne by the Sea
68-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Arverne, NY 11692
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Richmond
Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Suffolk
Town Hall West
401 Main St.
Islip, NY 11751
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Mastic Recreation Community Center
15 Herkimer St.
Mastic, NY 11950
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Ave.
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun

Kings
Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Coffey Park
85 Richards St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Gerritsen Beach Little League Field
2901 Gerritsen Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun

Jewish Community Center
YM-YWHA
3300 Coney Island Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Ikea
1 Beard St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. through Sun., Dec. 9

Westchester
Westchester County Center
198 Central Ave.
White Plains, NY 10606
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat

Rockland
River View Park
Beach Road (Rte. 110) and E. Main St. (Rte. 108)
Stony Point, NY 10980
Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sun, Dec. 9

More New York centers may open as sites are identified and approved.

While visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is a convenient way to seek help from FEMA, it isn’t the only way.

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Link:  

27 New York Disaster Recovery Centers Still Open To Serve Hurricane Survivors

Survivors Must Contact FEMA to Keep Temporary Housing Assistance

New York – Hurricane Sandy survivors, who received temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and continue to have a housing need, must fill out an important form for additional short-term rental assistance.

FEMA mails all applicants who receive rental assistance the “Declaration for Continuing Need for Rental Assistance” form. It reaffirms that applicants have an ongoing need for temporary housing while they search for a permanent place to live.

  • This form is mailed 15 days after applicants receive their initial rental assistance grant.
  • Applicants who need additional rental assistance must complete the form and mail it back to FEMA at the address printed on the form.
  • If you don’t have the form, contact FEMA’s toll-free helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Returning to a permanent home is a significant milestone on the road to recovery. FEMA rental assistance may last for up to 18 months from the date of declaration. So it’s important for survivors to have a permanent housing plan.

Survivors with questions about temporary housing assistance should contact FEMA’s toll-free helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362). Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day seven days a week until further notice.

Individuals may register for help online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. 

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Continue reading: 

Survivors Must Contact FEMA to Keep Temporary Housing Assistance

FEMA Assistance Denial Still Offers Option For Appeal

Trenton, N.J. — Survivors have the right to appeal the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision about what assistance they can receive.

You may ask for another review to appeal the amount or type of help provided or any other decision about federal disaster assistance.

Before asking for an appeal, it is important to review the “Help After a Disaster” applicant’s guide. The booklet explains the different types of assistance that may be available to survivors and could answer some questions you have about the appeal process. Each applicant receives a copy and it is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

When appealing, explain in writing why you disagree with a decision. Include any new or additional documents that would support the appeal. Be as specific as possible in the letter. Include materials such as itemized receipts and contractor estimates.

When sending an appeal letter for Hurricane Sandy, remember to include:

  • On all pages of all documents:
    • Federal disaster declaration number 4086-DR-NJ.
    • Nine-digit FEMA application number.
  • Applicant’s name, place and date of birth, and the address of the damaged dwelling.
  • Copies of documentation that supports the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Keep all originals for your records.
  • A copy of a state-issued identification card, unless the letter is notarized or includes the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  • The applicant’s signature.

Appeal letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.

Survivors may send the appeal letter to FEMA by:

  • Fax:        (800) 827-8112 Attention:FEMA
  • Mail:       National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
  • Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center here.

If you would like to speak with a specialist who will listen and help you with the appeal process, you can visit a local Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA helpline.

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.

Taken from: 

FEMA Assistance Denial Still Offers Option For Appeal

Disaster Stress And Older Adults

TRENTON, N.J. — Many survivors of Hurricane Sandy find themselves under additional stress these days. But disaster-related anxiety can be especially high in older adults, particularly those living on their own or isolated from friends and family.

Because of their age and other unique circumstances, older adults often react much differently than younger people to catastrophic events. It’s not uncommon after a disaster for them to become withdrawn, agitated, disoriented and confused.

Family members, friends, neighbors and caregivers should be aware of this and be ready to safeguard both their physical and mental health. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms of senior stress:

  • Fear of losing their independence because of disaster-related injury or loss of their residence. This can be the biggest trauma that older people face after a disaster.
  • Problems talking to people and answering questions. Difficulties in communicating after a disaster can be increased by factors such as slower thought processes related to age, problems with seeing and hearing, and reduced mobility.
  • “Welfare” stigma. Many older adults are cautious about or even unwilling to accept government help because they have always “paid their way.” Their reluctance to accept assistance can be compounded by a lack of knowledge about government services for which they may be eligible.
  • Memories or flashbacks of other events in their lives when they were traumatized or suffered severe losses.
  • Anxiety caused by poor reading skills and inadequate command of the English language.
  • Worry about limited financial resources and having enough time to rebuild their homes.
  • Fear of being put in an institution because they cannot return to a home that was destroyed by the disaster.
  • Withdrawal and isolation from family and friends.
  • In severe cases, seniors also may undergo personality changes in the wake of a disaster.

Because older people may be on medication for health conditions, it’s important to ensure they are medically stable before deciding that any of the above symptoms are due to emotional stress.

It’s also important to keep in mind that seniors have decades of experience and strengths gained from facing previous disasters and adversity.

Those who live or work with older adults who have been adversely affected by Hurricane Sandy can take a number of steps to monitor and improve their mental health:

  • Provide consistent verbal reassurance.
  • Assist them in recovering personal possessions.
  • Help them re-establish contact with their family, friends and social networks.
  • Help them find a suitable residential relocation until they can return to their own home, ideally in familiar surroundings with friends or acquaintances.
  • Make frequent home visits and arrange for others to visit them.
  • Ensure medical and financial assistance.
  • Provide transportation to the doctor, grocery store, etc.
  • Re-establish and monitor their nutritional and medication needs.

Older people or their family and friends seeking additional information about stress counseling and services should contact their local mental health agencies. The New Jersey Department of Human Services is coordinating statewide efforts to help individuals and communities manage the emotional impact of the storm. Crisis counselors are currently providing support and assisting in FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers as needed. 

In addition to providing face-to-face disaster crisis counseling, the state provides informational materials about coping, and it has partnered with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey to offer assistance through a toll free helpline: 877-294-4357 (also applies for VRS or 711-Relay users) or TTY 877-294-4356. More information about disaster-related stress can be found at the website: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/.

POSSIBLE PHOTOS: See following links

Red Cross provides assistance for Hurricane Sandy survivors (ID: 60611)

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60611

Community Relations Specialists speak with Sandy Survivors (ID: 60564)

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60564

FEMA Community Relations Specialists assist residents in New Jersey (ID: 60443)

http://www.fema.gov/photolibrary/photo_details.do?id=60443

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.

View post: 

Disaster Stress And Older Adults

Changes Announced for Brooklyn Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Brooklyn. 

The DRC is at the Ikea store, 1 Beard St., Brooklyn, NY 11231. It opened on Nov. 7, and has provided information and assistance to more than 980 storm survivors. 
 
The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows at a certain time, a center may change its hours or come under consideration for possible closure.   

In addition to the Brooklyn site, those affected by Hurricane Sandy can visit any of about 30 other DRCs throughout New York. DRCs are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get help as quickly as possible.

To find the center nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

Visit site: 

Changes Announced for Brooklyn Disaster Recovery Center

Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers Hours Change, Old Saybrook DRC Closing

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hours for all Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers change beginning Saturday, Dec. 8. The center in Old Saybrook will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. The schedule is as follows:

Now through Friday, Dec.7, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

After the Old Saybrook Disaster Recovery Center closes and beginning Dec. 10, hours for the remaining centers will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Centers are closed on Sundays.

Disaster Recovery Center locations are:

Housatonic Community College

900 Lafayette Blvd.

Bridgeport, CT 06604

 

Western Greenwich Civic Center

Room 203

449 Pemberwick Road

Greenwich, CT 06381

 

Department of Police Services

Conference Room

6 Custom Drive

Old Saybrook, CT 06475

(Closes Dec. 8)

 

Senior Center

100 Mona Terrace

Fairfield, CT 06824

 

Simon Lake Elementary School (former)

65 Devonshire Rd.

Milford, CT 06460

Homeowners or renters who suffered damages in counties designated for federal individual disaster assistance can visit any of the centers.

The deadline to register is Dec. 31. Survivors can register online anytime day or night at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or with a smartphone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Survivors can also register by phone anytime by calling FEMA at 800-621-3362. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wait for the English message to finish to reach multilingual operators.

Registering for disaster assistance with other agencies or organizations does not register survivors for FEMA disaster assistance. Having FEMA flood insurance does not register policyholders for disaster assistance; flood insurance claims are handled separately.

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.

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.

Read more: 

Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers Hours Change, Old Saybrook DRC Closing

 Page 140 of 183  « First  ... « 138  139  140  141  142 » ...  Last »