Home > Press > RECENT PRESS RELEASES > Nov 28, 2011 - : MAYOR BOOKER REMINDS RESIDENTS WHO WERE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IRENE THAT THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE WILL EXPIRE ON MONDAY ON NOVEMBER 30

For Immediate Release

MAYOR BOOKER REMINDS RESIDENTS WHO WERE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IRENE THAT THE DEADLINE

TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE WILL EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 30;

RESIDENTS ARE WARNED THAT THEY WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED BY FEMA IF THEY DO NOT FILE CLAIMS;

FEMA authorities warn residents to be alert for con artists and fraudsters who prey upon victims

Newark, NJ – November 28, 2011 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Newark Municipal Council, Business Administrator Julien X. Neals Esq., and Newark Emergency Management and Domestic Preparedness Director Keith Isaac reminded Newark residents today whose homes, businesses or property were damaged by Hurricane Irene that the deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will expire on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Applications can be found on the web at www.fema.gov or www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at (800) 621-3362 (FEMA). Call TTY (800) 462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call (800) 621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available. Residents are warned that they will not be reimbursed by FEMA if they do not file claims.

“Newark, like many municipalities throughout the state, was severely affected by Hurricane Irene. If you have suffered property damage as a result Hurricane Irene and related flooding, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance funds. I urge Newark residents to call Federal Emergency Management Agency hotline number if they need assistance,” Mayor Booker said. “If you do not file a claim, you will not receive assistance.”

Federal assistance became available after President Obama issued a major disaster declaration on Aug. 31. Federal disaster relief grants and loans are still available for damages suffered from Hurricane Irene and related flooding, during August 27 through September 5, 2011. According to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Office (NJOEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), nearly $38 million in federal disaster assistance is helping fund the ways New Jerseyans are recovering from Hurricane Irene.

“City officials have met with FEMA representatives, who have reiterated that agency’s commitment to help Newark residents and businesses that have suffered as a result of Irene,” said Business Administrator Neals. “FEMA can only help, however, if those residents and businesses contact FEMA and file their claims.”

“Many Newark residents suffered damage to their homes, property, or business as a result of Hurricane Irene. Federal funds are available to help pay the costs of repairing that damage,” said Director Isaac.

“We’ve extended the registration deadline for people who – for whatever reason – have not had the opportunity to register for assistance,” said William L. Vogel, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “The goal is to ensure all eligible Irene survivors have the chance to seek assistance.”

To date, FEMA has approved more than $140 million in assistance to disaster survivors, while the SBA has approved more than $48 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations.

Applicants are reminded to keep their FEMA information updated, but not to register more than once. Duplicate registrations will delay processing an application.

FEMA will provide disaster assistance to residents for the following:

• Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): Money is available to rent a different place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental properties are not available.
• Repair: Money is available to homeowners to repair damage from the disaster to their primary residence that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional.
• Replacement: Money is available to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing their destroyed home.
• Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or remote locations specified by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

• Disaster-related medical and dental costs.
• Disaster-related funeral and burial cost.
• Clothing; household items (room furnishings, appliances); tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job; necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies).
• Fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas).
• Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, dehumidifier).
• Disaster damaged vehicle.
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are being made to the home).
• Other necessary expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA.
• Other expenses that are authorized by law.

In addition, FEMA is warning residents to be aware of scam artists impersonating FEMA officials. Some scam artists walk around carrying a clipboard with official-looking forms; this is no proof they are with a state, federal or voluntary agency serving those affected by the disaster.  Never reveal personal information when you are unsure of the person or organization.

FEMA-contracted inspectors call to schedule an appointment before visiting a home. The inspectors always wear a photo ID and know the applicant’s name and registration number. Never pay a fee for help. FEMA never charges for disaster assistance.

The Department of Homeland Security has established a Fraud Prevention web page, but members of the public can also call the Fraud Prevention Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

For additional information on Hurricane or disaster preparedness, please visit the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management website at http://www.nj.gov/njoem/ or www.ready.gov. You can also call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-FEMA or visit the following websites at www.fema.gov , or www.DisasterAssistance.gov  to apply for disaster assistance.

For more information about any City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:         Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004.

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major commuter and freight rail lines, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. Its population showed growth in the most recent census. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The rate of production of affordable housing has doubled, and new businesses are moving in. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.

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