Mayor Keffer: Important FEMA Information

We have learned that the FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has opened in Cranford to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage and losses from Hurricane Irene.

The center is located at the Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue in Cranford.

The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice.

Residents are urged to register before visiting a DRC. There are two ways to register – log on to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY, call 800-462-7585; or, use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

There are other DRC locations listed online at: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm Additional locations will be announced by the FEMA/state joint information center.

FEMA says that the Disaster Recovery Centers help residents with the following:

• Receive information about different types of state and federal disaster assistance.
• Get help completing applications for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations.
• Inquire about the status of applications for federal assistance.
• Receive referrals to voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs.
• Learn cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of future disaster losses.

Hugh Keffer

Mayor