Federal Disaster Aid for Connecticut
Residents can get federal disaster aid
Kimberly Primicerio
September 6, 2011
A week after Tropical Storm Irene, some state residents are hoping for federal help to get their homes back in order.
After President Barack Obama issued a disaster declaration for Connecticut last week, many residents are thinking about applying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Businesses, homeowners and renters in all of Connecticut's counties are eligible for federal aid. Many residents are waiting to hear back from their insurance companies to see what damages will be covered before applying for assistance from FEMA.
A tree fell on Patricia Cerasale's home on Eaton Avenue in Meriden when Irene hit, but she hasn't filled out any FEMA applications yet. She said her insurance company, The Hartford, sent a catastrophe claims adjuster to her home, who noticed little areas of damage caused by the tree.
"I think we're going to make out better than we thought," Cerasale said.
Cerasale expects to hear back from her insurance company within the next two weeks. She may consider seeking FEMA assistance afterward.
Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback said homeowners typically file claims with their insurance companies and then contact FEMA if there is excessive damage the insurance company doesn't cover. Those looking for aid should deal with the organization directly and not go through the town, he said. Applications can be filled out on FEMA's website, at www.fema.gov.
"I would apply," said Thomas F. Gavaghan, a coordinator for the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
"People should have FEMA make the decisions," he said.
Gavaghan said homeowners have nothing to lose by filling out an application. There doesn't have to be a certain amount of destruction to receive money, he said.
"The worst they can say is no," Gavaghan said. "Just go for it."
Homeowners with damaged homes should call their insurance companies first, he said. One of the first questions FEMA asks is if the loss is covered by insurance.
"They don't cover things that are covered by insurance," he said.
Residents have 60 days following a disaster to fill out paperwork with FEMA. So even though homeowners are waiting to hear from insurance companies and adjusters, Gavaghan said, they have ample time to find out what they're covered for.
Loren McCormick had a tree fall on her house on Stuart Drive in Southington during the storm and isn't sure whether she's going to take advantage of FEMA assistance. She's waiting to hear back from her insurance company. She knows about the FEMA website and the procedure for applying, but so far she and her husband have only mulled over the idea.
Several more insurance companies have agreed to waive higher-cost hurricane deductibles for coastal property owners whose homes were damaged by Irene. Allstate, Bunker Hill, Connecticut FAIR Plan, Farm Family, Farmers Insurance, Fidelity National, Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange, Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Co. and Universal North America have joined more than a dozen other companies to waive the deductibles.
Federal Emergency Management Administration centers will be open in all eight counties by Thursday, allowing residents and businesses to seek help with rental assistance and a portion of uninsured losses from the storm.
Residents can register online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA.
Information from The Associated Press and The Connecticut Mirror was included in this report.
www.myrecordjournal.com