FAIRFIELD, CT, September 7, 2011: The Fairfield Emergency Management Team is issuing the following information to residents who believe they may be eligible for Individual Assistance from FEMA in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene: those with damage or losses as a result of the tropical storm are encouraged to register with FEMA by calling 800-621-3362, going online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or using their PDA to go to m.fema.gov. Those with speech or hearing disabilities should use the TTY number at 800-462-7585.
“Registering with FEMA is the first step in determining if you qualify for federal disaster assistance,” according to Governor Malloy in a release sent out earlier today; residents who have already provided damage information to Town, State or FEMA representatives must still register with FEMA. In order to receive reimbursement from FEMA, applicants must have no insurance, filed for insurance benefits which were not covered by their insurance, or received an insurance settlement insufficient to meet their losses, according to FEMA’s online information; they may also be directed to file for Small Business Administration loans or other forms of assistance by FEMA.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for Fairfield County will be opening on Thursday, September 8th at noon in the Western Greenwich Civic Center at 499 Pemberwick Road to assist home owners and business affected by Tropical Storm Irene. Hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The Center will be staffed with state and federal disaster specialists, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.
“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 Governor 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.”