Disaster Assistance Available to Homeowners Affected by Storm

Union County homeowners, renters and business owners affected by the severe storms and flooding during the month of March can register for assistance through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New Jersey to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas struck by severe storms and flooding that began  on March 12.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

"We encourage everyone affected by the storms and flooding caused by the heavy rains of March to contact FEMA and register for disaster assistance," Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan said in a statement. "It is important for all those affected to reach out for financial help during these trying times."

Those affected can register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  For the speech or hearing-impaired the number is 1-800-462-7585.  You can also register on line at: www.disasterassistance.gov.

When registering, be sure to have the following information available: address and phone number where you can be reached; social security number; current mailing address; date the damage occurred; address of the affected property; brief description of the damages; insurance information; family's gross income.

The county says that even if you have flood insurance, you should still register, as some losses may not be covered by your provider.