Bramnick, Freeholders to Host Panel on Filing Post-Sandy Recovery Claims

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Assemblyman Jon Bramnick will host a Hurricane Sandy Recovery Information Session for the public on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7p.m. in the Roy Smith Theater on the Cranford campus of Union County College. The College is located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

“We need to provide clear and concise information on how to file claims.” said Assemblyman Bramnick, who  represents the 21st District, which includes 10 municipalities in Union County.

“We are scheduling this information session as a means of directly communicating with residents who suffered any impacts during the storm,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “They can obtain the advice and information they need from FEMA and other specialists in order to access aid.”

Experts on recovery following the Hurricane will be present. The session will include representatives from FEMA and the insurance industry. All are welcome to attend.

Residents may also visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, which is already up and running at 100 South Springfield Avenue in Springfield, at the Chisholm Community Center and operating seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Two others will also open soon in Union County.

To find the one closest to you call FEMA or use the Disaster Recovery Center locator at fema.gov.

The types of financial assistance offered by FEMA to eligible residents include:

·       Temporary rental help or a stipend for hotel lodging.

·       Repairs or replacement for a home or business damaged by the storm (for damage not covered by existing insurance; property owners should also contact their insurance company).

·       Help with medical, dental or funeral expenses.

·       Help with mental health counseling.

One important form of help that FEMA can offer is disaster unemployment assistance. This program is designed for persons who have lost their jobs due to the storm, but who are not eligible to receive conventional unemployment insurance payments.

In addition, FEMA can help connect eligible residents with legal services, for example in settling landlord-tenant issues that may arise as a result of storm damage.

A complete description of FEMA assistance programs for individuals and households is available for download at the “Help After a Disaster” page at fema.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.