Governor Dannel P. Malloy is reminding Connecticut residents and businesses who suffered damage or losses during Tropical Storm Irene that they have little more than one week remaining to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Applicants must register by Thursday, Nov. 3 to begin the disaster assistance process.
“Residents and businesses have little more than one week left to register with FEMA to determine if they are eligible for federal disaster assistance as a result of Tropical Storm Irene,” Gov. Malloy said. “FEMA cannot begin the disaster assistance process until you register.”
Registering with FEMA is critical, as it begins the process of evaluating for what assistance – FEMA, Small Business Administration or other programs – Connecticut residents may qualify.
To date, FEMA has approved more than $6 million in individual disaster assistance to Connecticut residents. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has also approved more than $4 million in low interest disaster loans to individuals and businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Irene in Connecticut.
“Residents and businesses should allow FEMA to evaluate their damages and eligibility for assistance, even if they carry insurance,” Gov. Malloy added. “Individuals and businesses may qualify for low-interest loans and other beneficial disaster recovery programs.”
Property owners faced with paying higher insurance deductibles, such as hurricane deductibles, may be eligible for federal grants or low-interest federal loans because of their higher out-of-pocket costs needed to settle their insurance claims. The higher deductibles could fall under FEMA’s eligible criteria of “insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your losses.” Registering with FEMA will help property owners determine if they are eligible.
Individuals can register with FEMA online anytime or by calling 800 – 621-FEMA (3362). Individuals with a speech or hearing disability may call (TTY) 800 – 462-7585. The toll-free numbers are staffed seven days a week, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. local time until further notice. Help in most languages is available. Registration for federal assistance can also be made directly through web-enabled mobile devices or smartphones at m.fema.gov.
It is also important to note that residents who have already provided damage information to their towns, FEMA, state officials or 2 – 1‑1 must still register with FEMA.
