FEMA’s post-Sandy work continues in New Jersey

Representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency will remain in New Jersey into the New Year to help with the recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

FEMA spokesman Darrell Habisch says the agency will be in New Jersey for as long as it takes.

“It will transition from individual assistance and then begin to look at the cities, townships, and various municipalities to bring the roads, the bridges, a lot of the mitigation efforts back, and sometimes that can take years,” he said.

Residents with storm losses have until Jan. 30 to register for disaster assistance.

Habisch says nearly 350,000 people have done so already, and more than $321 million has been dispersed in New Jersey for temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

The initial denial of benefits for individuals often results from the need for more information, he said.“FEMA may need additional insurance information or a specific clarification of something that¹s being claimed, and there is an appeals process as well,” Habisch said.

To apply for assistance, call (800) 621-3362 or look online.