N.J. Residents Have Until June 18 to Register for Assistance Following Storms

New Jersey residents impacted by severe storms and flooding have two weeks remaining to register for disaster assistance with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The registration deadline is Saturday, June 18, 2005.

Individuals, who have not yet registered, should begin the disaster application process by calling 1- 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1- 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available to assist callers. Registration is also available at www.fema.gov.

To date, more than 1,800 individuals and businesses in the nine declared counties have registered for disaster assistance. FEMA provided more than $2.1million to homeowners and renters for housing and other needs assistance.

As the deadline approaches, the U.S. Small Business Administration reminds individuals who received a U.S. Small Business Administration packet, to fill it out and return it immediately. The loan application is for homeowners, renters and businesses. It provides key information needed in order to refer individuals to programs that may offer additional help. By not returning the application, the applicant could miss out on other assistance.

“Even if you haven’t received a settlement letter from your insurance company you may still register for assistance,” said Pete Martinasco, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer. “In order to receive federal assistance as a result of April’s severe storms and flooding, you must first register.”