Remnants of Hurricane Ida: Recovery & Assistance
UPDATED TUESDAY Nov. 02
DEADLINE EXTENDED to DEc-6th!
Affected by the Remnants of Hurricane Ida? SBA Disaster Loans Can Help
Read the document to learn more about how to apply and which low-interest loans are available. The deadline for physical damage occurred in NJ17143 disaster (for Remnants of Hurricane Ida) was recently extended to December 6. We urge all to apply as soon as possible.
UPDATED THURSDAY Oct. 28
FEMA Contacting Disaster Assistance Applicants via Phone Call and Text
To make sure New Jersey survivors of the remnants of Hurricane Ida can access every bit of disaster assistance they may be eligible for, FEMA is currently contacting applicants via phone call and text to update their current housing location. This is not spam. These automated messages are being sent to the phone numbers that applicants provided to FEMA for their contact information.
UPDATED THURSDAY Oct. 28
SBA Disaster Loans Provide Pathway to Recovery
Next to insurance, a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration is the primary source of funds for New Jersey survivors to make property repairs and for replacing contents destroyed by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.
UPDATED THURSDAY Oct. 28
Disaster Assistance: How to Register
Disaster assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.
1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
If you use a TTY: 1-800-462-7585
711 or Video Relay Service (VRS): 1-800-621-3362
UPDATED THURSDAY Oct. 21
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has been set up in Piscataway
Location: Fire Academy Building, 171 Baekeland Ave.
Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm • Mon - Sat
Look for the FEMA / DRC signs!
DRCs are accessible facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. You may also visit to ask questions about your case. DRCs are set up in convenient areas after a disaster in or near affected communities, in an area that offers equal access and resources to everyone. You may also use the DRC Locator at FEMA.gov/DRC to find the hours, services, and locations of other DRCs near you.
A DRC may help you:
Apply for assistance.
Learn more about disaster assistance programs.
Check the status of your FEMA application.
Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
Find housing and rental assistance information.
Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs for individuals & businesses
Meet with a Small Business Administration (SBA) agent
You may also apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or apply/check your status by phone at 1-800-621-3362.
UPDATED THURSDAY Oct. 21
Recent Information and Fact Sheets from FEMA
Survivors Don’t Need to Wait on FEMA to Start Cleanup from Hurricane Ida
New Jersey residents affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida’s storms and rains don’t need to wait for a visit from a FEMA housing inspector or their insurance company to start cleaning up and making repairs. FEMA inspectors and insurance claims adjusters can verify damage even though cleanup has begun.
Free Home Repair and Rebuilding Advice Available at Lowe’s in Bayonne Through November 5th
Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) HMA programs promote funding for mitigation measures that reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from future disasters. These programs allow communities across the nation to enhance mitigation and take steps that will foster greater resilience and reduce disaster suffering.
FEMA Fact Sheets: Disaster Declarations
This collection of fact sheets cover a wide range of topics about the disaster declaration process, including:
Overview
Declaration Criteria
Unemployment Assistance
Emergency vs. Major Declarations
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program
Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process and Federal Assistance
Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
Individual Assistance
Online Resources for Congressional Offices
Public Assistance
Sequence of Delivery
Need Equal Access? Just Ask. New Jersey and FEMA Committed to Providing Equal Access for Ida Survivors
All disaster survivors have equal access to information on federal disaster assistance programs, including how to apply for them. FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as large print, audio and electronic versions, and Braille.
UPDATED FRIDAY Oct. 8
Requesting a Reduction in Assessed Value Due to Storm Damage
New Jersey law provides for a reduction in assessed value as the result of a storm such as Hurricane Ida. You must notify the Tax Assessor, in writing, that you have had storm damage caused by Hurricane Ida (or another storm), and the Assessor will investigate and potentially reduce your tax assessment for the NEXT tax year. In Hurricane Ida’s case, reassessment would begin on January 10, 2022. See the State Statute below:
54:4-35.1. Material depreciation of structure between October 1 and January 1; determination of value
When any parcel of real property contains any building or other structure which has been destroyed, consumed by fire, demolished, or altered in such a way that its value has materially depreciated, either intentionally or by the action of storm, fire, cyclone, tornado, or earthquake, or other casualty, which depreciation of value occurred after October first in any year and before January first of the following year, the assessor shall, upon notice thereof being given to him by the property owner prior to January tenth of said year, and after examination and inquiry, determine the value of such parcel of real property as of said January first, and assess the same according to such value.
L.1945, c. 260, p. 789, s. 1.
To request a reduction in assessed value or for more information, email Tax Assessor Dawn Guttschall at taxassessor@middlesexboro-nj.gov.
Free Home Repair and Rebuilding Advice
Free Home Repair and Rebuilding Advice Available at Jaeger Lumber, 500 Bound Brook Rd., Middlesex. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer home improvement tips along with proven methods to prevent or reduce damage from future disasters as well as offer tips and techniques to build hazard-resistant homes. Mondays – Saturdays through Oct. 22.
Damaged Wells, Furnaces and Septic Systems May be Covered by FEMA
FEMA recommends inspecting your heating, ventilation, air conditioning system (HVAC), furnaces, septic systems and/or wells to see if they were affected.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers Will Reduce Hours of Operation
Beginning today, Oct. 4, DRCs will reduce their weekday hours and close at 5 p.m. Additionally, beginning Oct. 10, all DRCs will be closed on Sundays.
UPDATED THURSDAY Sep. 30
How to Appeal a FEMA Disaster Assistance Decision
New Jersey survivors affected by flooding caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida who have registered for disaster assistance may receive a letter from FEMA stating they are ineligible. However, this does not have to be the final word.
If an applicant believes FEMA’s decision was incorrect, they can file an appeal with FEMA. Applicants must appeal initial eligibility determinations within 60 days of the date on their eligibility notification letter. The first step is for applicants to read their determination letter carefully to understand why FEMA decided the application was “ineligible.” Many times, it could be something as simple as providing missing documents or information.
UPDATED FRIDAY Sep. 24
FEMA: No Duplication of Benefits
When determining the amount of federal disaster assistance an applicant may be eligible for, FEMA will verify there are no “Duplication of Benefits.” By law, FEMA cannot provide financial assistance when any other source, such as insurance, has provided assistance for the same disaster-caused need or when such assistance is available from another source.
See also — Mayor Madden’s Weekly Message (9/24)
UPDATED TUESDAY Sep. 21
Saturday 9/25: “Coffee with Council”
This Saturday, September 25 at 10:30 AM, is our monthly “Coffee with Council” at the Senior/Recreation Center. At this meeting, Council wishes to provide an ear for residents recovering from Ida, the path moving forward, and to give Council an opportunity to provide whatever information we can for our residents. READ MORE
UPDATED MONDAY Sep. 20
Council waives municipal fees for Ida-damage construction permits
Borough Council has approved a resolution that waives all municipal fees for construction permits for those who homes have Ida storm damage thru December 31. 2021. Contact the Construction Office at (732) 356-7400 ext. 248 for further information.
UPDATED MONDAY Sep. 20
Middlesex County Storm Relief Resources Web Page Available
Middlesex County has compiled a comprehensive resource hub on its website to assist residents and businesses impacted by the recent Tropical Storm Ida. The hub page located at www.middlesexcountynj.gov/stormrelief, features information, resources, and helpful links from FEMA, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, U.S. Small Business Administration, REPLENISH Nourishing Neighbors, the Red Cross, and more. Some resources are also available for individuals affected by Tropical Storm Henri.
Our community is encouraged to explore both the Borough page here, and the County page listed above, to seek out aid available to them.
UPDATED FRIDAY Sep. 17 (originally 9/8)
Gas Service Restoration
Residents in the flood impacted area who have had their gas turned off must contact PSE&G directly at 1-800-436-7734.
Homeowner Repair Storm Recovery Quick-Reference Document
The Borough has compiled these reference PDF documents for residents and homeowners. Read for guidance with addressing the replacement/repair of household systems in the aftermath of the storm:
Who you should notify
Electrical systems
Mechanical/plumbing systems
Construction permits associated with the repair of storm-damaged single family homes
When construction permits ARE and ARE NOT required
For additional assistance, contact us at construction@middlesexboro-nj.gov or 732.356.7400 x247.
UPDATED FRIDAY Sep. 17 (originally 9/8)
DPW – Disposing of Flood Damage
Effective Friday 9/17, the Department of Public Works has completed most of the emergency flood disposal pickups. In order to prevent illegal dumping in those areas we are asking residents to contact Dpw to schedule flood Bulk pickups. For more info visit the DPW web page here (see ‘Bulk Pickup’ section) or contact DPW at 732-968-1603.
UPDATED TUESDAY Sep. 14
Community Pool: Hot showers will be open to the public again this week
The Pool showers are open to anyone who has been affected by the flood waters, regardless of being a Member, non-member, resident and non-resident. – The Middlesex Community Pool
Wednesday, September 15 from 6PM-8PM
Thursday, September 16 from 4PM-8PM
Saturday, September 18 from 2PM-8PM.
UPDATED TUESDAY Sep. 14
FEMA Interviews at the Senior/Rec Center this Friday
FEMA will be conducting local interviews – OPEN TO ALL WITH FLOOD DAMAGE.
Friday, September 17
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Senior/Recreation Center
HOW FEMA CAN HELP: File Insurance Claims Early
UPDATED MONDAY September 13
FEMA and State resources
FEMA has opened a DRC (Disaster Recovery Center) in every county with a major disaster declaration. Our County’s locaiton is open as of 1 pm on Sept 9, 2021 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Drive, Sayreville, NJ 08872. The hours will be Monday – Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. Any NJ residents impacted by Hurricane Ida can visit the DRC to get assistance. No appointment is necessary.
Residents can access FEMA resources online at FEMA has opened a DRC (Disaster Recovery Center) in every county with a major disaster declaration. Our County’s is open as of 1 pm on Sept 9, 2021 at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, 1001 Fire Academy Drive, Sayreville, NJ 08872. The hours will be Monday – Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and Saturday & Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. Any NJ residents impacted by Hurricane Ida can visit the DRC to get assistance. No appointment is necessary.
Residents can access FEMA resources online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362
FEMA is a provider of last resort and residents should first file claims with any relevant insurances which they may have
Residents can access The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center for homeowners, renters and business owners to provide answers to questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.
Virtual Business Recovery Center & Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Mondays – Fridays | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | FOCWAssistance@sba.gov | (916) 735-1500
The State has launched a resource page: nj.gov/ida with information and state resources available to affected residents. This resource includes:
Information from NJ Division of Consumer Affairs about locating quality contractors and avoiding price gouging and disaster-related scams
Information from Department of Health about environmental hazards, mold, carbon monoxide poisoning, food safety, etc
Information from Department of Banking and Insurance about filing claims for homeowners, auto, flood insurance
Other resources including transportation, food, mental health, hotlines, etc
Information from NJDEP about emergency debris management contracts, stream cleaning, debris removal, and more ( NJDEP IS PRIMARILY FOR OUR INTERNAL USE NOT PUBLIC – I.E. State contracted vendors who can provide support for debris management, stream cleanup, etc)
EDA Grant for Small Business affected by IDA and HENRI
In response to the challenges and damages from Hurricane’s Henri and Ida, EDA has created the Henri/Ida Grant Program to provide short-term, immediate rent and mortgage reimbursement to New Jersey businesses and nonprofits that suffered physical damage as a result of the storms. Online applications for the Henri/Ida Business Assistance Grant Program will open on September 17th, 2021. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, based upon the date in which the Authority receives a completed application submission. You can find more information on the program including the eligibility requirements and application process at: https://www.njeda.com/henri-ida-relief/ or by calling 1-800-621-3362
FEMA is a provider of last resort and residents should first file claims with any relevant insurances which they may have
Residents can access The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center for homeowners, renters and business owners to provide answers to questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.
Virtual Business Recovery Center & Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Mondays – Fridays | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | FOCWAssistance@sba.gov | (916) 735-1500
The State has launched a resource page: nj.gov/ida with information and state resources available to affected residents. This resource includes:
Information from NJ Division of Consumer Affairs about locating quality contractors and avoiding price gouging and disaster-related scams
Information from Department of Health about environmental hazards, mold, carbon monoxide poisoning, food safety, etc
Information from Department of Banking and Insurance about filing claims for homeowners, auto, flood insurance
Other resources including transportation, food, mental health, hotlines, etc
Information from NJDEP about emergency debris management contracts, stream cleaning, debris removal, and more ( NJDEP IS PRIMARILY FOR OUR INTERNAL USE NOT PUBLIC – I.E. State contracted vendors who can provide support for debris management, stream cleanup, etc)
EDA Grant for Small Business affected by IDA and HENRI
In response to the challenges and damages from Hurricane’s Henri and Ida, EDA has created the Henri/Ida Grant Program to provide short-term, immediate rent and mortgage reimbursement to New Jersey businesses and nonprofits that suffered physical damage as a result of the storms. Online applications for the Henri/Ida Business Assistance Grant Program will open on September 17th, 2021. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, based upon the date in which the Authority receives a completed application submission. You can find more information on the program including the eligibility requirements and application process at: https://www.njeda.com/henri-ida-relief/
UPDATED SATURDAY September 11
FEMA is in the Borough this Weekend
FEMA is in town today and Sunday (9/12) going door to door starting at 9am. In addition, FEMA will be at the Recreation Center 09/12/21 9am-4:30pm to assist in the application process.
UPDATED THURSDAY September 9
Sep-9th (1) Cleaning Supplies
The Middlesex Borough Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is distributing cleaning supplies Friday, 10am – 2pm, or until supplies are exhausted. Drive to the rear of Borough Hall, 1200 Mountain Ave.
UPDATED THURSDAY September 9
Sep-9th (2) Survivors Affected by the Remnants of Hurricane Ida Can Apply for Possible FEMA Assistance
Middlesex Borough homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida may be eligible for help from FEMA. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
UPDATED THURSDAY September 9
Sep-9th (3) FEMA Assistance to Individuals - Reference Materials
Quick reference-sheets to help you understand HOW to begin the recovery processs, and what documents and verification are required.
UPDATED THURSDAY September 9
Sep-9th (4) NJ Economic Development Authority Announces Grant Program for Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Henri
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the approval of the Henri/Ida Business Assistance Grant Program at a special meeting of its Board. The $10.5 million program will provide grants of $1,000 to $5,000 for businesses and non-profits that suffered physical damage from the effects of recent tropical storms Henri and Ida. The program plans to provide short-term, immediate rent/mortgage reimbursement support to New Jersey businesses and non-profits with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees that suffered physical damage from Tropical Storm Henri on Aug 22-23, or from Tropical Storm Ida on Sep. 1-3, 2021.
DATELINE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
1) Hot Showers Available at the Community Pool
Wednesday-Thursday (Sep. 8 & 9) and Saturday Sep. 11
The Middlesex Community Pool would like to help the residents in town who have been affected by the flood. We are opening our doors to anyone that would need a nice hot shower. On Wednesday and Thursday the pool will open its door from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. On Saturday we will also have hot showers for residents from 1:00-8:00 pm down at the pool. We would like to bring light to all who are affected during this dark time. UPDATE: The Pool showers are open to anyone who has been affected by the flood waters, regardless of being a Member, non-member, resident and no-resident. – The Middlesex Community Pool
DATELINE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
2) Survey: Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA)
Borough OEM Collecting Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) for FEMA
Middlesex Borough is being asked by NJ Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to collect information which helps them get a picture of what damage has occurred to individual dwellings. We have created an easy, 12-question survey that will help to do that. Please read the below and then click on the form if you have sustained any kind of damage from the storm.
NOTES:
This does NOT take the place of residents working with their private homeowners/renters insurance companies. Likewise, this survey and your responses have nothing to do with insurance nor the dollar value to the damage assigned.
Responses will be kept confidential and will only be sent on to NJOEM
This is not mandatory for residents but encouraged.
These survey results are a tool used by FEMA to gather information about the extent of the damage and will help the county and state get the right dollar amounts allocated to different programs. The data collected would support potential federal declaration requests to FEMA for programs like the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) which provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster.
If you should have any questions about this survey, please contact the Borough Office of Emergency Management at jcosta@middlesexboro-nj.gov. If you would rather fill this form out on paper, you can either print it and drop it off at Borough Hall (1200 Mountain Ave.) or you can come to Borough Hall and fill it in.
DATELINE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
4) DISPOSING OF FLOOD DAMAGE - DPW
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS OUTDATED AND REMAINS HERE FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY. The Department of Public Works will be coming around town to assist our residents dispose their flood damaged items. Please place bulk at the curb not to encroach roadway. Due to the damages caused by Ida, the Borough will not be requiring bulk coupons for your bulky items at the Recycling Center. For more info feel free to contact DPW at 732-968-1603.
DATELINE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
5) PSE&G STEPS TOWARD gas service RESTORATION
Attention residents: PSE&G has proactively turned off gas service to parts of our area out of safety concerns due to the scope of flood damage. Some customers who did not experience flooding will also have their gas service turned off. We have done this out of an abundance of caution and to ensure a safe restoration process.
On Sept. 3, PSE&G began proactively turning off gas service to customers with extensive flooding out of safety concerns due to the widespread damage caused by extensive flooding of nearby rivers. Restoring gas service after flooding is a time-consuming, multiday process. Some customers may not have gas service for an extended period of time.
Some customers who did not experience flooding will also have their gas service turned off, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure a safe restoration process. PSE&G is prioritizing the restoration of customers who did not experience flooding. PSE&G will prioritize your restoration. Please call PSE&G at 1-800-350-7734 to schedule an appointment for gas service to be restored.
According to PSE&G, critical steps to restoring your natural gas service if you experienced significant flood damage:
☑ Your town’s municipal inspector will visit your location and perform an inspection.
a. Township inspectors will make rounds in some towns. If you have questions about the inspection process, please call your township’s municipal office or office of emergency management.
b. If your home or business passes inspection, the inspector should notify you and PSE&G that your service is ready to be inspected, repaired or replaced. It is not necessary to call PSE&G for scheduling in this situation.
c. If your property fails inspection, you must have a qualified contractor make repairs and then be re-inspected by the municipal inspector.
☑ If your electric panel was affected by flooding - it must be inspected, repaired, re-inspected and turned on before gas service can be restored.
Both of these steps must take place before PSE&G crews can turn on your natural gas service. PSE&G will not restore natural gas-fed appliances that have been exposed to flood water. Please keep in mind PSE&G will need clear access to your natural gas meter and gas appliances for close inspection, repair or replacement. If we cannot access the natural gas meter, we will not be able to restore your natural gas service.
If a gas appliance fails inspection, we will apply a violation tag and disconnect the appliance from the gas piping. Customers are responsible for having equipment repaired or replaced and
re-inspected. When your inspection is complete, or repairs have been made, call PSE&G at 1-800-350-7734 to schedule an appointment for appliance connection.
DATELINE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
6) FEMA Establishes Major Disaster Declaration for New Jersey
On September 5, 2021, President Biden granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of New Jersey triggering the release of Federal funds to help people and communities recover from the Remnants of Hurricane Ida that occurred September 1-3, 2021.
Please read careful though these relevant forms and information to see where you may qualify for assistance.