HELP FOR IRENE RECOVERY COMES FROM LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL SOURCES

NEPTUNE, N.J. – Individuals and families recovering from Hurricane Irene have access to a number of local, state, and federal resources that can help them get back on their feet.

“Disasters begin and end locally,” said William L. Vogel, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s top official in New Jersey. “It’s important to remember we’re only part of the team.”

FEMA coordinates the federal resources that became available soon after Irene hit. A presidential disaster declaration helps survivors and their communities get started on the road to recovery. Grants are provided to eligible applicants to cover basic needs; communities are reimbursed — at a minimum of 75 percent — for eligible projects that repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure.

“In addition to FEMA, there are state and local resources here before, during and after disaster strikes,” said Lt. Paul Miller, state coordinating officer with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

New Jersey’s 2-1-1 service is for residents who need help and volunteers who want to donate their time. In addition to 2-1-1, recovery experts offer this list of possible resources for residents affected by Hurricane Irene and the associated flooding during the Aug. 27 – Sept. 5, 2011, incident.

Clean-up and Debris Concerns:

• Simple guidelines for debris removal: http://www.fema.gov/photodata/low/51711.jpg
• Clean-up tips: Clean-up tips can be found at http://www.nj211.org/hurricane2.cfm
• Mold: Mold in a damaged home can create serious health problems.  http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=58123

 

World Cares Center is acting as the liaison between NJ 211 and groups that have volunteered to provide free flood cleanup services.  Call 2-1-1.

Shelter/Housing Needs:

• Learn about housing options on NJ 2-1-1 housing-related web pages. http://nj211.org/housing.cfm
• Other shelter Options: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/foodstamps/cwa/

 

You can also find assistance by calling NJ 2-1-1 for the homeless, homeless veterans and pet friendly motels.

Social Services:

• NJ HELPS: For complete information on all state social services and online applications http://www.njhelps.org.
• Disaster Mental Health: New Jersey MentalHealthCares’ Disaster Mental Health Helpline (877) 294-HELP (4357). A TTY line is available at (877) 294-4356. Translation services are available as well. http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/#4
• Social Services for the Homeless hotline (by county) http://nj211.org/images/Hurricane/CountyHomelessHotlines.pdf

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance:  www.sba.gov

Business:

• Hurricane Irene Business Recovery Assistance: A special business recovery assistance service can be found at http://www.nj.gov./njbusiness/

Agricultural Needs:

• Care/Temporary Sheltering of Farm Animals: http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/hottopics/approved/topics110827.html

Document Replacement:

• Information for replacing important documents is available from the New Jersey Bureau of Vital Statistics, 609-292-4087 or visit http://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/

Legal Services: www.lsnj.org or call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529)

Fraud Reporting:   To report suspected fraud 1-800-323-8603

Disaster-Related Scams:

• NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.com/disaster/floodtipsflyer_1.pdf

Verifying the credibility of Charitable Organization: 

• http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/charities.htm  or call 973-504-6215.

Hiring Licensed Home Improvement Contractors:

• Visit http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/brief/improve.pdf  to receive tips from the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
• Search by name for licensed contractors and for other licensed professionals http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/list1.htm

Disaster IRS Tax Relief:  Go to www.IRS.gov or see your tax person.

Temporary Suspension of Federal Student Loan Payments:

• Contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman at 877-557-2575 or 202-377-3800 for assistance. http://www.asa.org/repay/options/disaster/default.aspx

Volunteer Your Services:  Agencies looking for volunteers may register their needs and volunteers willing to assist in relief efforts may search for opportunities at www.VolunteerNewJersey.org. Database maintained by The Association of New Jersey Volunteer Centers and the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism: (609) 633-9629 or (609) 775-5236.

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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 http://blog.fema.gov, 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