FEMA PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Louis Carta

Phone: (860) 344-3482

Cell: (860) 398-1824

FEMA ASSISTANCE OFFERED FOR RESIDENTS

Federal Aid to be Provided for Storm Victims

Middletown — City residents with property damage from Hurricane Irene may be eligible to receive assistance from the federal government. Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

City officials announced today that homeowners and renters impacted by the storm in Middletown can apply for assistance from the FEMA Individual and Households Program. Although businesses are not eligible for this grant, it is recommended that they register through FEMA for referral to the Small Business Administration to receive help through the Disaster Loan Program.

Officials cautioned however, that if a resident or business called 2-1-1, provided damage information to the local Emergency Management Director, or participated in a FEMA preliminary damage assessment, they are NOT registered for FEMA assistance. Officials noted that this was for data collection purposes only.

Residents and businesses unsure of the extent of their damage or are awaiting insurance coverage information, should register through FEMA no later than November 3, 2011. To register by phone, call (800) 621 3362. The TTY line for people with speech or hearing disabilities is (800) 462-7585. Applications can also be completed on @ www.disasterassistance.gov. Applicants will be asked for a phone number for callback, Social Security number, current mailing address, the address of damaged property, brief description of damages, insurance information. Once registered, applicants will be issued a FEMA application ID number for all future contact with FEMA. A FEMA disaster housing inspector may call to set up an appointment to view damages.

City officials said Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will be announced is to be opened in the near future. The center will provide information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs.