Guilford, East Haven FEMA Centers Open
You've suffered damages or losses due to Tropical Storm Irene. Have you checked to see if you're eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance? Government disaster assistance covers basic needs not covered by your insurance policy. FEMA also provides assistance for some specific, disaster-related losses.
"Funeral costs, crisis dental and medical during the event and emergency transportation are some of (FEMA's) disaster-related types of assistance generally not covered by other insurance," said Sally Mackert, FEMA Public Information Officer.
On Sept. 15, two additional FEMA Disaster Relief Centers (DRCs) opened in Connecticut – in Guilford and East Haven – bringing the number of state DRCs to 11 and answering shoreline leaders' calls for assistance here, at the heart of Irene's disaster. Before that, residents had the option of heading out to North Haven or Orange DRCs.
While each DRC is there to give assistance, it's actually not necessary to go to one to get help. It's all available on-line, said Mackert, adding some people simply prefer face-to-face help.
"The centers are a support mechanism for people who feel the need to visit, one on one, with a specialist. For a lot of people, particularly if they've gone through the trauma of an event, it's a place where they can sit with someone they can talk to."
On Sept. 15, Mackert took The Sound into the Guilford DRC in the community room at Guilford Police Headquarters (400 Church St.). The center has FEMA specialists on hand to discuss various types of assistance and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives who can help renters, homeowners, business owners and non-profit organizations complete SBA loan packets for the low interest loans being made available for some losses.
As of Sept. 14, 540 Connecticut residents had visited a DRC for Irene assistance and 3,345 had registered with FEMA, said Mackert.
Whether you chose to visit a center or submit your application on-line, the first step is to register by phone or on-line to get your FEMA application identification number. The registration process for the ID number takes about 20 minutes. You'll be asked for general information about income, insurance, damage to your residence and housing needs.
"We encourage everyone to register first. That sets every thing in motion. That phone call gives you your ID number, and your application becomes active," said Mackert.
Of the 10 people who stopped in during the first two hours of operation in Guilford Sept. 15, "...a number of them had not yet registered," said Mackert, adding FEMA Applicant Services Specialists were able to guide them to call and get an ID number on the spot.
After registering, eligible applicants will be notified by letter, followed by a call from a FEMA inspector within a few days. A FEMA inspector will arrive carrying proper FEMA badge identification, which you should ask to see, said Mackert.
Some people don't even consider the possibility of registering because, "… they're pre-judging their damages and losses," said Mackert. "They might think, '… the people down the street had more damage than me… I can live without the things I've lost (or) I've already started cleaning up.' There's always a chance they may be deemed eligible."
As for damages and losses, even if you've already called your insurance company, started repairs, pulled up that flood-damaged carpet, or paid for storm-related goods and services, you should still register with FEMA. The agency's experts will not duplicate any insurance coverage. But for what's not covered and deemed eligible for FEMA assistance, photos, receipts and repair inspections will help determine the amount and type of assistance offered.
Based on needs, FEMA Individuals and Households program offers up $30,200 per eligible registrant for this disaster, said Mackert. Low-interest SBA loans offer up to $200,000 for eligible homeowners for real estate repairs, up to $40,000 for eligible renters and homeowners replacing disaster-damaged personal property, and up to $1.5 million for eligible business losses not fully covered by insurance.
For those registrants receiving a letter stating ineligibility, there is an appeal process.
"Read the letter very carefully," Mackert noted. "They may just need more information. Take a very close look and follow whatever kinds of instruction for what's needed."
By law, residents affected have a 60-day period following a disaster declaration to register with FEMA. Those affected by Tropical Storm Irene up can register through Nov. 3. But the sooner, the better, said Mackert.
"The sooner they register, the sooner the property can be inspected and assistance determined. If you have suffered damage and or loss of any type, we encourage you to register," said Mackert.
Homeowners, renters and business owners affected can apply for FEMA disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), by smart phone at m.fema.gov or register on-line at www.fema.gov Speech/hearing impaired TTY: 1-800-462-7585. Shoreline FEMA DRC centers are located in the Guilford Police Community Room (400 Church St.) and East Haven Beach House (160 Cosey Beach Ave.). DRC operating hours: Mon - Sat. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.