Schroeder Issues Letter to District 39 Constituents

Hurricane Irene dealt a devastating blow to many residents, communities and businesses in District 39 and across the state of New Jersey. If you are one of the hundreds of thousands who suffered significant property loss, we want to make sure you know you will not be alone as we rebuild our communities that were impacted by this storm and the ensuing flooding. 

Our office is open to answer your questions or find the appropriate agency that can help you. State agencies have also launched programs and issued advice for homeowners, and businesses impacted by this disaster. Please take a moment to review these important resources that are available to you, and contact my office at 201-391-3673 if you require additional assistance. 

Disaster Recovery Centers

FEMA is opening Disaster Recovery Centers in every county in order to provide personal assistance to residents at a location that is convenient and local. These mobile offices can provide information or help people or businesses apply for disaster assistance programs or aid. Some facilities have already opened, but residents can utilize a center in any county. To locate the nearest open center, visit FEMA.gov. There are several locations available in Bergen County, including one that will open soon in Hackensack. 

Property Damage

Homeowners should assess and document all damaged or missing items, and make temporary repairs as soon as safely possible. If the home is uninhabitable, keep a record of all living expenses incurred until the home is rebuilt. 

Many insurance companies have deadlines in which to file a claim so check your policy. If you need help locating your insurance agent’s phone number, contact the state Department of Banking and Insurance, or DOBI, at 800-446-7467 or NJDOBI.

Once a claim is filed your company, your company will send an adjuster to survey the damage at no cost to you. Do not feel rushed or pushed to agree on a settlement. Try to resolve differences with your company and contact DOBI for information about arbitration or mediation.

When hiring a contractor, beware  of fraudulent contractors. Insist on a written estimate and do not sign any contracts before an adjuster has examined the damage.

The state Department of Banking and Insurance issued more detailed advice, which can be found online.

Additional, New Jersey has received federal disaster designation, entitling several types of assistance including rent for temporary housing, grants, loans and unemployment payments.

To begin the disaster application process, call 800-621-FEMA or visit DisasterAssistance.gov. More information about what federal aid is available for New Jersey Hurricane Irene victims is detailed here.

Disrupted Business

New Jersey’s Business Action Center provides assistance for businesses affected by the storm, including financial support, information about temporary office space and other technical assistance.

The center can provide access to credit, funds to train workers for disaster relief and help getting businesses back in operation, including information about federal assistance, advocating for expedited insurance settlements and building inspections.

For more information about assistance available to businesses, call 866-534-7789 or visit http://nj.gov/njbusiness/.

Fraud

Unfortunately, disasters can bring out the worst in people and the state Division of Consumers Affairs ha warned residents to be aware of scams targeting people who are already in distress. You should be vigilant about bogus contractors or charities. 

Always make sure contractors and charities are registered with the Division and never pay for an entire home improvement project until it is completed. Never give out personal financial information to strangers over the phone or Internet. 

Always report any suspicious activity to the Division at 1-800-242-5846 or NJConsumerAffairs.com. More detailed information can be found here.

We hope you and your family remain safe as we recover and rebuild New Jersey better than before. Our office is open to help in any way we can. You can reach us at 201-391-3673 or AsmSchroeder@njleg.org.

- Assemblyman Robert Schroeder