Financial help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency hinges on President George Bush declaring the region a disaster area.
By: Linda Seida
LAMBERTVILLE More than 100 flood victims from Frenchtown to Trenton filled a Lambertville banquet hall Sept. 23 hoping to find out what kind of federal assistance is available to help them replace their belongings and get their lives back to normal.
The answer: Not much. At least, not yet.
Aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency hinges on President George Bush declaring the region a disaster area.
A FEMA official from New York City, Carol Hector-Harris, said, "Other than telling you to call your insurance company, I don’t know what to say."
She advised, "In order to get your own recovery started, you need to take charge. You need to call your own insurance company. You need to get the process going. Start taking photos."
If possible, video is even better, she said.
The declaration from the president could come at any time, and her cell phone was on at all times awaiting such an announcement, she said.
If a disaster is declared, several different types of aid packages would become available, according to Acting Lt. Joe Hines of the New Jersey State Police, who attended the meeting on behalf of the state Office of Emergency Management.
He said Gov. James McGreevey has requested grants for individuals and households; a public assistance grant program to aid in the repair of bridges and roads; and disaster unemployment assistance for those who are now out of work as a result of the flood. In addition, the Small Business Association Grant Program would offer low-interest loans.
If a disaster is declared, FEMA emergency field offices could be up and running "in just a couple of days. It will happen very quickly," Lt. Hines said. The field offices will be like "one-stop shopping that handles all programs."
The president has 30 days from the date of the governor’s letter requesting a declaration to respond, according to Tom Balint of the state attorney general’s office. The governor’s letter is dated Sept. 21. If the president turns down the governor’s request, the state is entitled to appeal, Mr. Balint said.
Usually, a decision on disaster aid is made much more quickly, according to Mr. Balint.
"It’s never taken more than three or four days after the letter to get an answer, one way or another," he said.
One flood victim rose from his seat to ask what the backup plan is if the president declines to declare the region a disaster area.
"Plan B is in development," Mr. Balint said. "And I know that’s not a plan you want to hear right now."
A representative of the American Red Cross said there is some help available from that organization, but it’s on a much smaller scale.
The Red Cross focuses on "the very basics," such as food, clothing, bedding and medical items, said Paul Cardin, director of emergency services for the Red Cross of Central New Jersey. In addition, mental health counselors will offer emotional support.
While waiting for a declaration from the president, people should start putting their homes back in order.
"Definitely start the cleanup process," Ms. Hector-Harris said. "Definitely hold on to your receipts. Definitely take photos."
In the meantime, people should keep their eyes and ears open.
"The most important thing is to pay attention to what’s going on in the news," said Mary Goepfert, community relations coordinator for the state OEM. "If a disaster is declared, FEMA will release a toll-free phone number residents may call to file a claim."
The call will take approximately 15 or 20 minutes. Callers will be asked such questions as what was damaged and if they are insured, Ms. Goepfert said.
FEMA will try to send an inspector to a home within 24 hours of a call. After the inspector verifies the damage, FEMA funds could land in a bank account within 24 to 36 hours, she said.
"FEMA has become pretty efficient over the years," she said.
She cautioned, "Be aware the FEMA system is very taxed right now with all the hurricanes," especially in Florida. "Just have some patience with it. We’re at a very unusual time now."