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Deadlines have been extended to March 1 for survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Credits: Laurence Rice / First Look Media
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Heather Robinson (second from left) and representatives from FEMA, GWACC, The Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, The Alternative Press, UCEDC and SBA at an informational session Jan. 17 sponsored by the GWACC and the PCC. Credits: Laurence Rice / First Look Media
Westfield Residents and Businesses Urged to Register with FEMA for Disaster Assistance Before it’s Too Late
Friday, February 1, 2013 • 11:09am
WESTFIELD, NJ—Now that deadlines have been extended to March 1 for survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Robinson is encouraging local business owners and individuals to take advantage of the opportunity before it disappears.
FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.
The Small Business Administration has also set March 1 as the date for homeowners, renters and business owners to complete and return SBA disaster loan applications.
Even if you’re not sure you want another loan, it’s important to get yourself and/or your business “in the system” while you still can so that the option is still available to you, according to Robinson.
“Don't be lulled into putting it off just because of the extension,” she said. “We all know how quickly deadlines come at us when we procrastinate. The SBA loans are available to businesses or individuals, and the term can be as long as 30 years. Arm yourself with options by registering with FEMA today.”
Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week.
For more information about SBA disaster loan applications, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955, TTY 800-877-8339 for more information.
SBA’s Disaster Assistance Program provides long term, low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. For more information, visit www.sba.gov. All of SBA’s program and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.
