Robert Menendez

US Senator for New Jersey
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Hurricane Sandy Recovery Resource Center

As New Jersey begins its long road to recovery from Hurricane Sandy, residents need access to some of the best information and resources available to help clean up and rebuild our communities. That's what you'll find here at the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Resource Center.

Thanks to our emergency responders, federal, state, and local officials, New Jerseyans had help preparing for this storm. In the coming weeks and months, Senator Menendez will be working in partnership with our federal delegation and state and local leaders to secure the resources needed to help New Jerseyans in the aftermath. Working together, New Jersey will emerge stronger than ever.

Visit a Disaster Recovery Center for Individual or Business Assistance »

Anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy is encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where visitors can speak one-on-one to federal recovery representatives and FEMA specialists. The locations and times of the current DRC's in New Jersey are listed on this map in blue. Residents can also text DRC and a zipcode to 43362 (4FEMA). *Note: DRC locations change frequently. The closest open offices can be found online at http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm

It is helpful to register with FEMA before visiting a DRC. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can apply by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.

There are also Business Recovery Centers which are located on this map in red. The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened these centers to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance. Applicants may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Call 800-659-2955 or visit one of the centers for more information.


View Disaster Recovery Centers in New Jersey in a larger map

Overview of FEMA Assistance »

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will offer assistance to New Jerseyans who have been affected and displaced by Hurricane Sandy including:

  • rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable;
  • grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance;
  • unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs and don't qualify for state benefits;
  • grants to meet medical, dental and other serious needs not covered by insurance;
  • low-interest loans for losses: residential property, business property & personal property;
  • loans for small businesses and farmers that have suffered disaster-related cash flow problems and need funds for working capital to recover from the disaster's adverse economic impact.

There are three things anyone impacted by Sandy should keep in mind: register for aid immediately, read the letter you receive in response, and reach out and ask FEMA representatives about anything you don’t understand.

It’s important to realize that even if the first FEMA letter in response to an application says a person is ineligible for aid, it doesn’t necessarily mean that person’s case is closed. Get the facts on why that determination was made to give yourself every chance of getting the help to which you’re entitled.

Visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA for more information.

New Jersey residents can also visit http://nj211.org/hurricane.cfm or call 2-1-1 to find information about FEMA assistance, how to apply, clean-up resources and local recovery efforts.

Important Transit Information »

CLICK HERE for the most up-to-date service and travel options on NJTransit.com.

CLICK HERE for the most up-to-date NJ Path service accouncements.

CLICK HERE for 511 updates.

Note: NJ Transit has emergency shuttle bus/ferry service and shuttle bus to rail service to improve the Trans-Hudson commute. CLICK HERE for more information or call 973-275-5555.

Important Housing Information »

For Individuals Seeking Housing:

For Individuals Who Would Like to Make Housing Available:

  • You can provide information to FEMA on new housing resources by emailing your name, the state the property is located in and a contact phone number to fema-ia-dhops@dhs.gov

Mortgage Relief Available for Some Borrowers:

For information on mortgage payment relief, homeowners should contact their mortgage servicer – the company to which they send their monthly mortgage payment – or call Freddie Mac at 800-FREDDIE.  Freddie Mac's general disaster relief policies are posted online at http://www.freddiemac.com/singlefamily/service/disastermgmt.html

Foreclosure Protection for Storm Victims:

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced foreclosure protections for storm victims. Visit this link for resources:
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2012/HUDNo.12-166

Document your clean-up:

Contact your insurance company right away.  Document any damage with photos and videos.  Save all receipts associated with clean-up and repair.

Flood Insurance Claims: 

How to file a flood insurance claim (English): http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/preparation_recovery/file_your_claim.jsp

How to file a flood insurance claim (Spanish): http://www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/spanish/downloads/spanish/consejos-para-presentar-un-reclamo.pdf

Safety Tips:

Call the Hurricane Sandy Public Health Hotline at 1-866-234-0964 for answers to questions about cleaning and mold removal, carbon monoxide, food and drinking water safety.

Click Here for important health information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention including tips on how to:

  • safely use generators and other fuel-burning devices to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning;
  • properly clean up one’s home to prevent mold growth; and
  • protect against a variety of hazards, including downed electrical lines, flood waters, and hazardous chemicals – that could cause injury or illness.

Be Aware of Frauds:

Unfortunately, there are often many criminals who try to take advantage of victims of natural disasters.  Be on the lookout for scams.  

If you suspect anyone of fraudulent activities, call FEMA's toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or your local law enforcement officials. Anyone who receives any suspicious letters or e-mails should contact the state Division of Consumer Affairs by clicking here. And check out FEMA tips on avoiding these scams by clicking here.

Information for Businesses »

The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened centers to provide one-on-one help to business owners seeking disaster assistance. Applicants may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Call 800-659-2955 or visit one of the centers listed on the map above for more information.

Loans are Available:

The U.S. Small Business Association provides low-interest loans to renters, homeowners and businesses of all sizes. Some applicants may recive an SBA loan application after registering with FEMA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, but if they don't complete the application they may not be considered for other federal grant programs.

  • Click Here to see available loans from the Small Business Association.
  • Click Here for assistance from the Intersect Fund.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Unemployment benefits are available for those whose jobs were impacted by the hurricane. That includes people not normally eligible for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed persons and farm workers.  Registration closes February 4, 2013; applicants should contact a New Jersey Reemployment Call Center.  Locations include Union City (201-601-4100), Freehold (732-761-2020), and Cumberland (856-507-2340).

*Contractors can CLICK HERE for bidding and job opportunities.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors »

Volunteer:

Those New Jerseyans who can safely and effectively help their neighbors and communities are encouraged to do so. Call this hotline for volunteer opportunities: 1-800-JERSEY-7 or visit www.fema.gov/howtohelp

Donate through a trusted organization:

At the national level, many voluntary-, faith- and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to donate to disaster survivors. In addition to the national members, each state has its own list of voluntary organizations active in disasters. If you’d like to donate or volunteer to assist those affected by Sandy, these organizations are the best place to start.

Cash is the most efficient method of donating:

Cash offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources and pumps money into the local economy to help businesses recover. Remember, unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.

ALWAYS BE WARY OF FRAUDS AND SCAMS. If you suspect anyone of fraudulent activities, call FEMA's toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or your local law enforcement officials.

Legal, Health & Other Resources » 

Public Safety:

  • Call the Hurricane Sandy Public Health Hotline at 1-866-234-0964 for answers to questions about cleaning and mold removal, carbon monoxide, food and drinking water safety.
  • For information about mold removal, its prevention and associated health problems, go to the New Jersey Department of Health Mold website. See also the FEMA publication Mold & Mildew: Cleaning Up Your Flood-Damaged Home  and FEMA video, Eradicating Mold and Mildew.

Medicare & Medicaid Recipients:

CLICK HERE for up-to-date information with regards to natural disasters, extreme weather and emergencies.

Free Legal Aid:

Disaster survivors can call 888-541-1900 Monday through Friday from 9-5.  Callers may leave a message, which will be returned the next day.  The hotline is open to residents who need legal help related to the disaster such as insurance-related claims, landlord-tenant matters, FEMA appeals and creditor-debtor matters.    

Crisis Counseling Assitance:

Individuals may call the New Jersey Disaster Distressed Line at 1-877-294-4357. Disaster survivors may also call the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Disaster Distressed Line at: 1-800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance:

Unemployment benefits are available for those whose jobs were impacted by the hurricane. That includes people not normally eligible for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed persons and farm workers.  Registration closes February 4, 2013; applicants should contact a New Jersey Reemployment Call Center.  Locations include Union City (201-601-4100), Freehold (732-761-2020), and Cumberland (856-507-2340).

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Important Deadlines

December 27th:  The hotel check-out date for Transitional Shelter Program Expires (*note the date has been extended)

December 30th: Deadline for submitting a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) for all counties.

December 31st:  Deadline for Registering with FEMA for Individual Assistance

December 31st:  Last day to apply to the Small Business Administration for low-interest loans for structural damages and inventory loss

July 31, 2013:  Last day to apply to the Small Business Administration for economic injury loss