EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS
An ultra high-speed telephone communication service for emergency situations that require immediate action. Click on the Code Red Button above to register or add alternative telephone numbers.

FEMA changes office hours in Monmouth County
Storm damage claims must be filed by Oct. 31

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Beginning today, FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Monmouth County Park System’s Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Route 36 will be processing claims from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Monmouth County residents and business owners whose properties sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Irene are also reminded to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance no later than Oct. 31.

“We want to make sure those affected by the hurricane get the help for which they are eligible,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the county Office of Emergency Management. “FEMA assistance can include grants for 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. To be eligible, you must file for assistance by Oct. 31.”

Before visiting the DRC, residents and business owners who sustained losses should register online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.gov or via mobile phone application m.fema.gov. You can also register by phone between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or for the speech or hearing impaired, TTY 1-800-462-7585,

After registering for FEMA assistance, claimants should receive notification by mail within 10 days on whether they qualify for federal disaster assistance.

• If eligible, the letter explains how much the grant will be, and how it is intended to be used. You should keep receipts and other documentation for at least three years as proof the funds were spent as intended.
• If ineligible – or if the grant amount reads “0” – you may still qualify. The denial may just mean the application is missing information or that you missed an appointment with an inspector. FEMA recommends that you consider the appeals process.

The Oct. 31 deadline also applies to loan applications submitted to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. Additional information is available at www.sba.gov or 1-800-659-2955.

Other storm recovery information and links to FEMA resources are available on the Monmouth County Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.