Residents Pack City Hall for Help in Aftermath of Irene

Residents whose homes suffered damage as a result of Tropical Storm Irene flocked to City Hall Thursday night as city, state and federal officials outlined programs to help in recovery.

Officials warned that homeowners must first register with FEMA, if they haven't already. Go to http://www.fema.gov/ or http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 1 800 621-3362. The deadline is Nov. 3.

State officials estimate $30 million worth of damage was done to homes in the Nutmeg State -- but say $8 million to $10 million will be available to assist homeowners. So the application process will be competitive, with homes having suffered the most severe damage in the most storms taking priority.

Among the disaster relief programs are:

1. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMPG), which provides 75 percent federal matching grants for mitigation of damages that result from natural disasters. It includes the elevation of flood-prone homes and businesses in a flood zone. Deadline: Dec. 31.

2. Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) Program, which provides 90 percent federal matching grants for the mitigation of future flood damages insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. It is only available to buildings hit hardest -- and repeatedly in past storms. Deadline: Dec. 31.

3. Small Business Association Loans, which are low-interest federal distaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They are a source of money to pay for repair or replacement costs not fully covered by insurance or other compensation. Go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Deadline Nov. 3. Officials recommend homeowners apply for the loans -- and decide later whether to accept them.

Homeowners could also participate in a buyout program, whereby they would sell their flood-prone homes to the government for the fair market value of the home before the storm.  The program is voluntary.

For more information, email Douglas Glowacki, Connecticut Emergency Management Program specialist, at douglas.glowacki@ct.gov.

Other information sessions will be held in town, but have yet to be scheduled.