Hurricane Sandy

When registering for the assistance, the Governor and FEMA are encouraging residents to utilize the online registration method at www.DisasterAssistance.gov in order to expedite the registration process and avoid potential telephone hold times.

**Download: Fact Sheet on Applying for Storm Sandy Disaster Assistance in Connecticut

The major federal disaster declaration, signed by President Obama on October 30, offers federal assistance available to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and municipalities in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties.

Residents from these counties are eligible to register.

Assistance for losses sustained anytime after the storm, which began on October 27 and ended October 31, may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster.

Even those with insurance may be eligible for help from FEMA if their insurance policy does not cover all their needs.

This is how the process works:

STEP 1: Register with FEMA

There are several ways to register:

• Apply online anytime at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. This is the preferred and most efficient method.
• Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY at 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free number is open from 7:00
  a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days per week.
• By smart phone or tablet, use m.fema.gov.

When applying for aid, you will receive a nine-digit registration number that can be used for reference when corresponding with FEMA. 

It is helpful to have the following information handy:

• Current telephone number;
• Address at the time of the disaster and current address;
• Social Security number, if available;
• A general list of damages and losses;
• If insured, the name of insurance company, agent and policy number; and
• Bank routing number for any direct deposit.

STEP 2: Receive a Property Inspection

Within a few days after registering, eligible applicants will be telephoned to make an appointment to have their damaged property inspected. The inspectors, who are FEMA contractors and carry identification badges, visit to make a record of damage. They do not make a determination regarding assistance. There is no cost for the inspection.

STEP 3: All Applicants Will Receive a Letter from FEMA Regarding the Status of Their Requests for Federal Assistance

Some will also receive an application for a low-interest disaster recovery loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). 

Anyone who has questions about the letter from FEMA should call the helpline (1-800-621-3362 or TTY, 1-800-462-7585).

Those who receive an application packet from the SBA should complete and submit the forms. No one is required to accept a loan, but submitting the application may open the door to additional FEMA grants.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs):

View FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in a larger map

Those with additional questions or who would like to speak to someone in person have the option of visiting one of several FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) that have been set up around the state. The DRCs are located at:

• BRIDGEPORT
  
  Housatonic Community College
  900 Lafayette Blvd
  
  Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  Sundays, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• GREENWICH
  
  Western Greenwich Civic Center, Room 203
  449 Pemberwick Road
  Mondays through Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• GROTON
  Groton Senior Center
  102 Newtown Road
  Mondays through Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• NEW HAVEN
  
  Long Wharf Campus Gateway Community College
  60 Sargent Drive
  Mondays through Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• OLD SAYBROOK
  
  Department of Police Services
  6 Custom Drive
  Mondays through Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

MOBILE CENTERS

• EAST LYME
  East Lyme Town Hall
  108 Pennsylvania Avenue
  Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Thursday, November 15, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• FAIRFIELD
  Fairfield Senior Center
  100 Mona Terrace
  Monday, November 12, 2012, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Wednesday, November 14, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• NORWALK
  Norwalk City Hall
  125 East Ave
  Thursday, November 15, 2012, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Friday, November 16, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Saturday November 17, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• STONINGTON/PAWCATUCK
  
  Social Services Building
  166 South Broad
  Friday, November 9, 2012, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Saturday, November 10, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
  Sunday, November 11, 2012, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Energy related Construction Costs:

Did you lose a furnace, boiler, hot water heater or refrigerator during Hurricane Sandy?

The State of Connecticut is making available special incentives to help people facing energy-related reconstruction costs from storm Sandy.

An additional $3 million is available for residents and businesses replacing furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and refrigerators as a result of damage from Sandy.

These incentives will apply to the replacement of equipment with more energy efficient models between October 29th and December 31st.

The deadline to apply for the incentives is December 31, 2012.

Low-cost financing is also available for residents who make energy efficiency upgrades in equipment or insulation and air sealing while renovating or rebuilding their home or business as a result of damage from Sandy.

Anyone seeking information on these incentives should call the Connecticut Energy Information Line at 1-877-947-3873.

The $3 million is being financed with energy efficiency funds made available through the Northeast Utilities/NStar agreement.

Small Businesses:

Small business owners are eligible for assistance under the Small Business Administration (SBA). If you own a small business, you can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations. EIDLs can help you meet any financial obligations that cannot be met because of the storm.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website.

Hartford Courant: State Expands Energy Efficiency Rebates For Those Rebuilding From Sandy

Consumer Protection during Emergencies:

Connecticut’s price-gouging laws take effect once the governor has declared a state of emergency. The following restrictions would then apply:

• No one shall increase the price of any retail item in a location which is subject to a disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor. This section shall not prohibit the usual fluctuation in price that occurs during the normal course of business. (Section 42-230)
• If consumers believe a business is charging an unreasonable price, or has raised its price to take advantage of the emergency, they can contact theDepartment of Consumer Protection at 1-800-842-2649.

Insurance Claims:

The Insurance Department is providing this dedicated "Storm Sandy" page featuring important resources for consumers and the industry. The page will be updated with contact information, bulletins regarding claims process and other issues that may be activated during and after the storm.  The Insurance Department will help keep consumers in touch with their insurers and work closely with state and federal officials to quickly get adjusters to damaged areas. Be safe, be smart and be sure you are protected.

Charity Drives:

The Red Cross is experiencing shortfall of over 7,000 blood donations in Northeast.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit their web site.