FEMA Opens Bergen County Center

Bergen County officials announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened an office in Hackensack for residents who suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Irene. 

FEMA opened a State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) on the fourth floor of One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack. It will be open seven days a week from 8 am to 6 pm.

Residents affected by the hurricane can receive "face-to-face assistance."

"Visitors to the centers can also get valuable information about various state and federal programs, inquire about the status of their application, and receive referrals to voluntary organizations to assist with immediate needs," according to a statement released by Bergen County officials. "They can also receive assistance in completing applications for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, as well as private nonprofit organizations."

Here are the items residents should bring with them:

• photo identification
• insurance information
• an itemized list of damages
• FEMA registration number (if they’ve already registered with the agency)
• photographs of the damages (not mandatory but bringing them will assist in the process)

According to county officials, residents with insurance may also be eligible for FEMA relief. Residents are encouraged to register with FEMA online (www.disasterassistance.gov or over the telephone (800 462-7585), before visiting agency representatives in Bergen County.

For more information, visit these sites:

• FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm
• Bergen County web site: http://www.co.bergen.nj.us
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bergen-County-NJ/125648590862218