Bush declares NJ disaster zone

(New York - WABC, April 26, 2007) (WABC) -- President Bush has declared a major disaster exists in the State of New Jersey and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and inland and coastal flooding during the period of April 14th-20th.

The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Bergen, Burlington, Essex, Passaic, Somerset, and Union.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

"The damage done to New Jersey by last week's storm was devastating," said New Jersey Sen. Lautenberg. "FEMA's decision is a first step to aid state and local recovery efforts already underway. Families and businesses in the counties declared a disaster will begin to receive the support they need to help rebuild their communities. We have witnessed the damage up close, however, and are disappointed that the President excluded affected counties across New Jersey sorely in need of these emergency funds. I urge President Bush to expand this declaration and include the entire state."

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Helpline personnel are trained and able to answer most questions about assistance. If they cannot answer a question, they will refer the caller to applicable agencies or organizations.

Callers should have their disaster registration number ready in order to be served as quickly as possible. The FEMA Helpline is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), and callers should select option 3. For the hearing- or speech-impaired, the number is 1-800-462-7585. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The New York State Individual and Family Grant Program helpline is 1-888-329-7540. The operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Other important numbers and Web sites disaster victims may find useful include: