FEMA to Open Disaster Recovery Centers Thursday

FEMA will open nine Disaster Recovery Centers, including an office for Middlesex County residents, at noon on Thursday to assist home owners and businesses affected by Hurricane Irene.

The Disaster Recovery Centers will be staffed with state and federal disaster recovery specialists, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

The DRC for Middlesex County residents will be open at the follow location:

Department of Police Services
6 Custom Drive
Old Saybrook, CT

Regular office hours will be held Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“I am urging any individual or business who has suffered losses or damages as a result of Tropical Storm Irene to visit a center and work with staff there to review what benefits to which they may be entitled,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. “These centers provide an opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have with regard to federal disaster assistance and assistance with application preparation.”

Follow the guide below for more information on FEMA assistance:

Who Can Register:

All Connecticut residents (homeowners, renters) and businesses with damage from Hurricane Irene. 

(Note: If a resident or business called 2-1-1, provided damage information to their local Emergency Management Director or participated in a FEMA Preliminary Damage assessment -- they are not registered for FEMA assistance -- that was data collection ONLY)

Residents and businesses who are not sure of the extent of their damages or who are awaiting insurance coverage information should register. IMPORTANT: FEMA registration closes Nov. 3, 2011.

(Note: Although businesses are not eligible for FEMA grants - it is recommended that they register through FEMA.  By registering with FEMA they will be referred to the Small Business Administration for the Disaster Loan Program and be informed of any other programs that may offer assistance.)

How to Register (Apply):

Residents and businesses who were impacted by Hurricane Irene may register for disaster assistance by telephone or on-line.   

To register by phone, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

(The TTY line for people with speech or hearing disabilities is 1-800-462-7585)

To register on-line, complete an application at www.disasterassistance.gov.  

If residents have disaster assistance questions, they may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362

Tip - Have your information ready when applying for assistance. Whether applying online OR over the phone, an applicant should have a pen and paper and the following information ready:

• Your Social Security number (Business - EIN)
• Current and pre-disaster address.
• A telephone number where you can be contacted.
• Insurance information.
• Total household annual income (Business- financial information)
• A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account)
• A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.
• Directions to your property.

After you've completed your application for assistance, you will receive a FEMA application number. Write down this number and keep it for future reference.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC)

A Disaster Recovery Center is an accessible facility or mobile office where applicants may go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to their case.

Some of the services that a DRC may provide include:

• Guidance regarding disaster recovery
• Clarification of any written correspondence received
• Answers to questions and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
• Status of applications being processed by FEMA
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program information