Berkeley Heights Township : FEMA Damage Assessment Teams In Town; Please Report Your Damage

Press release from the Berkeley Heights Township:

October 27, 2021

FEMA Damage Assessment Teams have been in town surveying damage reported to them by our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) from Tropical Storm Ida. Our OEM team has has been working with our Department of Public Works, Engineer, sewer department and administration to identify areas hardest hit by the storm, and damage done to both Township and private properties. The Township has reported significant damage to various streets, stone headwalls and other infrastructure; we are awaiting word on whether FEMA will reimburse us for repairs that must be made to restore that infrastructure.

Meanwhile, residents: If you have not already done so, please report your Ida-related damage to FEMA by following the process in the graphic below. Meanwhile, there are Disaster Recovery Center teams ready to assist you throughout Union County if you need help. Details are below.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in Cranford and Elizabeth!     

Elizabeth Location: Elizabeth O’Donnell Dempsey Senior Center  

618 Salem Ave, Elizabeth, NJ

Hours: 8:00-6:00 M-F;  Sat  9:00 – 5:00

Cranford Location: Cranford Community Center

220 Walnut St, Cranford, NJ

Hours: 8:00– 5:00 M-F;  Sat  9:00 – 5:00

Look for the FEMA / DRC signs!

DRCs are accessible facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. You may also visit to ask questions about your case. DRCs are set up in convenient areas after a disaster in or near affected communities, in an area that offers equal access and resources to everyone. You may also use the DRC Locator at FEMA.gov/DRC to find the hours, services, and locations of other DRCs near you. A DRC may help you:

• Apply for assistance. 
• Learn more about disaster assistance programs.
• Check the status of your FEMA application.
• Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
• Find housing and rental assistance information.
• Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
• Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
• Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs for individuals & businesses
• Meet with a Small Business Administration (SBA) agent

You may also apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or apply/check your status by phone at 1-800-621-3362.

Individuals impacted by the remnants of Hurricane IDA in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties are eligible to apply for disaster assistance.

This press release was produced by the Berkeley Heights Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.