June 1, 2010
Governor M. Jodi Rell today reminded residents that they must formally register their damages from the March flooding with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) even if they have already called the state’s 2-1-1 Infoline to report their damages.
The FEMA hotline is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The hotline is open seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 6:30 a.m. until midnight on Saturdays and Sundays. Online registration is available at www.disasterassistance.gov
“Connecticut residents who suffered flood damage should contact FEMA as soon as possible,” Governor Rell said. “Even if you have reported your damages through our state’s 2-1-1 hotline, you need to contact FEMA in order to get the assistance you may qualify for. The sooner you formally register with FEMA, the sooner you can get assistance.”
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening soon across Connecticut. On Friday, Governor Rell announced that President Obama – responding within 24 hours of an appeal spearheaded by the Governor – has reversed an earlier decision and approved federal disaster assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the March flooding.
President Obama, in April, had initially denied a request for federal aid to affected individuals in Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, New Haven and Windham counties in response to severe storms that struck on March 12-14 and March 29-31. The president did grant Governor Rell’s request for a “major disaster declaration” that allowed financial assistance to the state and municipal governments in Fairfield, Middlesex and New London counties.