September 13, 2019, East Orange, NJ: East Orange homeowners and renters who were impacted by remnants of Hurricane Ida are now eligible to apply and receive FEMA assistance for post-storm damage. Residents affected by Hurricane Ida should visit www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 1-800-621-3362 to file a claim. The FEMA hours of operation are between 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET, 7 days a week.
Due to heavy call volumes, FEMA recommends the fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting disasterassistance.gov or by downloading the FEMA App on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
“We have been working diligently with our federal and state partners to assess the devastation and loss brought on by Hurricane Ida, and ensure that East Orange residents are given external assistance to recover from the severe damage left behind the storm,” said Mayor Ted R. Green. “We’re thankful that FEMA is now offering financial assistance to those who experienced the worst of Ida and we will continue to provide additional resources as we further analyze post-storm damage.”
Essex County, along with Bergen, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Union Counties, have secured major disaster declaration from FEMA.
Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recover from the effects of the storm. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
When applying for assistance, please have the following information readily available:
- A current phone number where you can be contacted
- Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
- Your Social Security number, if available
- A general list of damage and losses
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
- As soon as it is safe to do so, start cleaning up. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.
Unfortunately, after a disaster, there are often many rumors and scams. Protect yourself by always checking sources of information and learning how to spot scams. Do not trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money or personal information. Federal agencies and staff never charge for disaster assistance nor solicit or accept money. Beware of visits, calls or emails from people claiming to be from FEMA asking for your Social Security number, bank account or other sensitive information. Giving out this type of information can lead to identify theft.
For additional resources for residents affected by Hurricane Ida, please view links below:
Hurricane Ida Resources – NJ:
https://www.nj.gov/ida/
NJ Office of Emergency Management:
https://www.state.nj.us/njoem/
American Red Cross – NJ Region:
https://www.redcross.org/local/new-jersey.html
Hurricane Ida Assistance through FEMA:
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ida
Flood Safety and What to do After a Flood:
http://ready.nj.gov/plan-prepare/floods.shtml
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