Courtney Announces Expansion of FEMA Disaster Relief for Second District Home and Business Owners
Press Release
Courtney Announces Expansion of FEMA Disaster Relief for Second District Home and Business Owners
Congressman Joe Courtney announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has expanded its disaster assistance effort in Connecticut following an April Nor'easter that damaged numerous homes and businesses.
FEMA announced on June 14, 2007 that disaster aid would be extended to residents of Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, New Haven and Windham counties who were affected by flooding caused by the Nor'easter.
FEMA announced on June 14, 2007 that disaster aid would be extended to residents of Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, New Haven and Windham counties who were affected by flooding caused by the Nor'easter.
"I am proud to have fought for this important emergency assistance for Connecticut and Second District homes and business owners impacted by the April storms," said Congressman Courtney. "It is important for those who are still struggling to recoup losses from the storms to contact FEMA as soon as possible."
On May 1, 2007, Congressman Courtney joined with the entire Connecticut Congressional delegation in writing a letter to FEMA strongly urging disaster assistance to communities impacted by the storm.
On May 11, 2007, President Bush declared a major disaster for the State of Connecticut triggering the release of federal funds to help communities recover from the severe storms and flooding that occurred April15-27, 2007.
Second District homeowners, renters, and business owners in Hartford, Middlesex, New London and Windham counties who were affected by flooding during the mid-April storm may now apply for disaster aid by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362).
Those who are hearing and speech impaired may call TTY 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Those affected may also register for disaster assistance online at www.fema.gov.
Callers are advised to have the following information available to help speed up the application process:
* Your current phone number.
* 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 you suffered.
* Good directions to the property that was damaged.
* If insured, your insurance policy number, or the agent's and company's name.
* General financial information.
Individual and household assistance may include:
* Temporary Housing - Homeowners and renters may receive rental assistance to help with housing costs while displaced from their own homes or apartments or while looking for new, permanent housing.
* Repair - Homeowners may qualify for grants to repair disaster damage not covered by insurance. These funds are intended to make their homes safe and habitable, which will not necessarily return them to their pre-disaster condition.
* Other Needs Assistance (ONA) - Applicants also may receive grants for serious disaster-related needs not met by insurance, volunteer agencies or other sources. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving and storage and other eligible expenses.
* Disaster Loans - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) makes low-interest disaster loans available to residents of the counties included in the disaster declaration. The SBA provides three types of disaster loans:
* Home disaster loans to homeowners to repair or replace storm-damaged homes and, to renters and homeowners alike, to replace lost personal property
* Business physical disaster loans to business owners to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, including inventory and supplies and
* Economic injury disaster loans which provide working capital to businesses and agricultural cooperatives to help them through the recovery period.
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