Hurricane News and Updates

FEMA Morris County info

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 GMT

A DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IS OPEN IN MORRIS COUNTY. VISIT FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM DAILY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

IF YOU WERE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY, MEET WITH DISASTER RECOVERY OFFICIALS AT THE MORRIS PLAINS COMMUNITY CENTER, 51 JIM FEAR DRIVE, IN MORRIS PLAINS.

FEMA Passaic County info

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:01:00 GMT

A DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IS OPEN IN PASSAIC COUNTY. VISIT FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM DAILY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

IF YOU WERE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY, MEET WITH DISASTER RECOVERY OFFICIALS AT THE PASSAIC COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, 317 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE IN PATERSON.

Community Food Bank of New Jersey

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 18:46:00 GMT

The Community Food Bank of New Jersey is working with Emergency Management Offices, The Red Cross, The Salvation Army and many other organizations to provide relief to the many New Jerseyans impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The Community Food Bank of NJ is currently providing 15,000 meals a day. They are in need of financial donations so that they can direct the funds to the areas in greatest need. To donate to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, please go to www.cfbnj.org/sandy. You can also go to www.cfbnj.org or www.facebook.com/communityfoodbankofnj for additional information on what food items are needed.

New Fema Information 11/13

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:10:00 GMT

Important Information:

No matter the degree of loss or insurance coverage, disaster survivors are urged to apply for help. They can use any of the following methods:

1. By phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362). Assistance is available in most languages. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (TTY) 800-462-7585.

2. Online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov

3. Smartphone or tablet: m.fema.gov

Homeowners, renters and businesses that need disaster help may contact the Small Business Administration directly at the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or

(TTY 800-877-8339) or go to www.sba.gov

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Renters, homeowenrs, and business owners who sustained losses can apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly.

The Red Cross has established a call center for Hurricane Sandy at 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) for all inquiries.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits are available for those whose jobs were impacted by the hurricane. That includes people not normally eligible for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed persons and farm workers. Registration closes Feb. 4, 2013; applicants should contact a New Jersey Reemployment Call Center. Locations include Union City (201-601-4100), Freehold (732-761-2020), and Cumberland (856-507-2340).

DUA applicants who need copies of Federal Income Tax Returns can obtain them at IRS Tax Returns: 1-866-562-5227, Press “1” for Hurricane Sandy.

In support of New Jersey, FEMA has transferred resources such as food, water, and fuel to the states to distribute to individuals at Points of Distribution (POD) sites. The sites are centralized points where supplies are delivered and the public picks up commodities following a disaster or emergency.  The state, in coordination with local governments, identifies the location of the PODs which are currently operating in hard-hit disaster areas. Individuals should visit local emergency management websites or contact their local emergency management office for more information. New Jersey residents can visit http://nj211.org/hurricane.cfm or call 211 to find information about FEMA assistance and how to apply, clean-up resources and local recovery efforts.

In addition to representation in all Disaster Recovery Centers and Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers, the Small Business Administration has opened Business Recovery Centers in Hackensack, Jersey City, Lincroft, Newark, Manahawkin and Piscataway.  For more information, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for TTY users) or go to www.sba.gov.

To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov. You may also text DRC and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) For example, if you lived in Atlantic City, you would text: DRC 08401.  

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Sussex County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Sussex County Community College

1 College Hill Road

Newton, NJ 07860

As of 11.13.12, there have been 26 visits by disaster-affected New Jersey residents to the Sussex County DRC.

Passiac County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Passiac County Department of Health

317 Pennsylvania Ave.

Paterson, NJ 07503

As of 11.13.12, there have been 37 visits by disaster-affected New Jersey residents to the Passiac County DRC

Bergen County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

1 Bergen Plaza, 4th floor

Hackensack, NJ 07652

As of 11.13.12, there have been 168 visits by disaster-affected New Jersey residents to the Bergen County DRC.

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FEMA News Release:

WATCH OUT FOR FRAUDSTERS

TRENTON, N.J - As many Garden State residents work to recover from Hurricane Sandy, state and federal officials are warning of a danger lurking around the corner: phony building contractors and other scam artists could soon appear in your community attempting to take advantage of your vulnerability as a disaster survivor.

There are a few simple steps that you can take to make sure you’re dealing with an honest person.

Your first and best defense is to know the most common post-disaster fraud practices.

Here are some of the fraudster’s favorites:

Phony housing inspectors: If your home’s damage is visible from the street, you may be especially vulnerable to the phony housing inspector who claims to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You should:

Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge if he or she does not offer to show it. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. All federal employees and contractors carry official, laminated photo identification.
Avoid giving bank account numbers to an inspector claiming to be affiliated with the federal government. FEMA inspectors never require banking information.
Understand that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage, but do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs. They also do not determine cost estimates.

Fraudulent building contractors: Damage visible from the street can also bring out sham contractors who visit your home offering to begin work immediately. They take your money and disappear, leaving behind unfinished work and unsafe homes.

Before hiring a contractor, check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 to make sure the contractor is registered.
Ask for a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and verify that the policy is valid.
All contracts should be in writing, and reviewed before being signed.

Fake offers of state or federal aid: If someone claiming to be from FEMA or the state visits, calls

or emails you asking for your Social Security number, bank account number or other sensitive information, beware. That information could be sold to identity thieves or used to defraud you.

A twist on this scam is the phone or in-person solicitor who promises to speed up the

insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process. Then there are scam artists who promise

you a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

Here’s what to do:

Provide your Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance, either by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, or going online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via a web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362.
Know that federal and state workers do not solicit or accept money. FEMA and SBA staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police.

Price Gouging: Excessive price increases are illegal. Check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or call 800-242-5846 if you suspect prices are too high.

Charity Scams: Before donating, be sure to investigate to make sure the organization asking for donations is registered to solicit in New Jersey. Ask how the money will be used.

For other questions, New Jersey residents can contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer

Affairs office at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846.

#FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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News Release from New Jersey Bar Association:

NJ Disaster Legal Services (DLS) Number is LIVE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kate Coscarelli 732.937.7548 orkcoscarelli@njsba.com<mailto:kcoscarelli@njsba.com>

Free legal hotline for storm victims opens at 9 a.m. today New Jersey State Bar Association, ABA Young Lawyers Division and FEMA help residents New Brunswick- A toll-free legal aid line is now available for people facing legal issues due to Hurricane Sandy.

Residents who cannot afford to pay an attorney can call the help line to request free legal assistance at 888-541-1900, starting at 9 a.m. today (Monday, Nov. 12).

The New Jersey State Bar Association, American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have teamed up to provide help to residents.

“Lawyers have a special obligation to give back to the community, and as the state’s largest lawyers group the New Jersey State Bar Association is dedicated to serving as a source of assistance to the public. As they have in other disasters, our volunteer attorneys are ready to help people whose lives have been forever altered by this storm,” said State Bar Association President Kevin P. McCann.

The hotline is open to residents who need legal help related to the disaster. Assistance will be available in connection with insurance-related claims, FEMA appeals, landlord-tenant matters and creditor-debtor matters.

The way the program works is:

• Through an intake process, callers will be matched with a volunteer attorney who can provide assistance or general legal information regarding their issue.

• Callers should identify that they are seeking legal assistance related to Hurricane Sandy.

• The hotline will be staffed during normal business hours, but messages can be left at any time.

The helpline is part of a long-standing partnership between FEMA and the ABA, and is administered by the New Jersey State Bar Association through its Mass Disaster Response Program.

Hours are 9-5 (M-F). Messages can be left and calls will be returned the next day.

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Help for your business recovery

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The links below have information about how to start your business on the road to recovery after Hurricane Sandy.

http://www.sba.gov/content/new-jersey-hurricane-sandy-disaster-declaration-13367-0

http://www.njeda.com/web/Aspx_pg/Templates/Npic_Text2.aspx?Doc_Id=1820&topid=1561&midid=1562

http://www.nj.gov/njbusiness/

http://www.fema.gov/private-sector-1

United Way: Essentials Needed to Help Sandy Victims

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:19:00 GMT

United Way: Essentials Needed to Help Sandy Victims

List of items most needed to support disaster relief efforts

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – In collaboration with local disaster relief organizations, United Way of Northern New Jersey has assembled a list of the most essential items needed across its five-county region to support disaster relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

“We know folks want to help. And we want to make sure those in crisis get the items that will make the biggest difference for them right now,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin.

Area residents are encouraged to use this list as a guide for items that can be donated to local food banks, pantries and disaster relief organizations:

Gift cards for gas and groceries in $10 to $25 denominations

Personal care items, such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene pads, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, and baby care items
Non-perishable food items, such as pull-top cans of low-sodium soups, stew, canned meats and tuna, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, oatmeal, other breakfast items, shelf-stable milk, powdered milk, and milk or juice boxes
Household tools and items, such as shovels, rakes, work gloves, bleach, and contractor garbage bags

United Way staff can provide advice to residents about where their donations of material goods can best be handled in the five northern New Jersey counties of Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties. The following United Way staff can answer questions and provide guidance on where to make donations of material goods. You can also donate food items directly through http://www.yougivegoods.com/CurbingHunger.

Morris County: Michelle Roers - 973.993.1160, x116

North Essex: Eileen Sweeny - 973.746.4040, x204
Somerset County: Joanne Hala - 908.253.6507
Sussex County: Mary Emilius - 973.579.3040
Warren County: Sarah Brelvi or Anna Hockenbury - 908.835.3550

For those wishing to make a financial donation, the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund (#sandyfund) remains open. Contributions to the Fund can be earmarked for New Jersey to address hurricane recovery needs in communities that FEMA has declared disaster areas.

To make a donation online visit www.UWSandyRecovery.org. Or you can make a $10 donation by texting the word RECOVERY to 52000.

About United Way of Northern New Jersey
United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people’s lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call 973.993.1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.

List of Local Drives

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:33:00 GMT

LIST OF DRIVES / DONATION DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Morristown Fire Department, 161 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown, 24 hours

Accepting food and clothing to distribute

Morris Township Fire Departments (2 Locations)
2 Dwyer Lane in Morristown and 2 Burnham Road in Morris Township is accepting the following:

Cleaning supplies
Packaged underwear and socks
Baby formula, diapers, wipes
Hand sanitizer
Non-perishable food

Morris Habitat For Humanity ReStore, 274 South Salem Street suite 100 in Randolph is accepting:

Any construction donations

Community Food Bank of New Jersey, 31 Evans Terminal in Hillside is accepting:

Food in a can
Canned fruit
Canned vegetables
Canned soup
Peanut Butter
Granola Bars
Shelf Stable Milk
Cereal

The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is taking donations daily from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM at their location at 189 Berdan Avenue in Wayne

Piscataway Township Municipal Builiding, 455 Hoes Lane in Piscataway
On Thursday from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM and Saturday 9 AM to Noon will be accepting:

Non-perishable food
New underwear for children and adults
Diapers and baby food

Union Beach Municpal Building, 650 Poole Avenue in Union Beach

Food
Toiletries
Clothing
Blankets

Community Transportation, 178 Essex Street in Lodi
Saint Margaret of Cortona Church, 31 Chamberlin Avenue in Little Ferry
Midland Park Senior Center 46-50 Center Street in Midland Park
Between 8 AM and 6 PM daily are accepting:

Clothing
Non-perishable food
Hand sanitizer
Pet food
Gift cards

Creamery Commerce Center, 51 Route 206 South in Augusta is accepting new and gently used clothing for victims of Hurricane Sandy now through November 19^th. Clothing can be dropped off at the Commerce Center between 10 AM and 7 PM

Ways To Volunteer and Donate

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:33:00 GMT

VOLUNTEER

Volunteermatch.org - Log on to volunteermatch.org, plug in where you want to provide help and you will find a place to match your skills with the need of your friends and neighbors.
The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey - Cumberland County Community College is looking for volunteers to work through the weekend. Anyone interested can fill out a volunteer information sheet. For this or any other United Way project related to Sandy cleanup in South Jersey, contact Carol Cohen, Executive Director of American Red Cross - Southern Shore Chapter, at 732-647-5201.
The Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for a volunteer Blood-Drive Coordinator at the 93 Spring St. office in Newton. For more information, click here.
The Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit is a volunteer group of SCUBA divers, diver support tenders, boat operators, Emergency Medical Technicians and water-rescue technicians who specialize in handling virtually any type of water-related emergency in and around NJ and the tri-state area. The group is looking for volunteers to assist with any Sandy-related efforts. For more information, visit www.gsuru.com.
Morris County is looking for a Disaster Recovery Construction Team Leader. Candidates will supervise the construction activities that take place on the work site on any given day and you will be involved with the supervision of volunteers and family partners. Ability to speak Spanish a plus. For more information, click here.
The Salvation Army's Mercer County office needs Emergency Disaster Services volunteers. EDS volunteers are the kind faces and helping hands that support police, firefighters and other first responders while assisting families and communities to recover from floods, fires, and other tragedies. For more information, contact The Salvation Army.

DONATE

American Red Cross - Visit www.redcross.org to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

United Way - Contributions to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund (#sandyfund). Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways along the Eastern Seaboard, including United Way of Northern New Jersey, to address the near-term and long-term recovery needs of communities most affected by the hurricane. Donate at uwsandyrecovery.org or by texting RECOVERY to 52000. To learn more, call 973.993.1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.

Salvation Army - For anyone interested in learning about The Salvation Army's response to the storm and other programs provided across New Jersey, volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation to Hurricane Sandy relief, visit salvationarmynj.org, or call 908-851-9300. To help support The Salvation Army of New Jersey through an online food drive, please visit www.yougivegoods.com. Donations can also be sent to P.O Box 3170, Union NJ 07083 with NJ Hurricane Sandy Relief in the memo line.

Covenant House - The Newark crisis center of Covenant House is caring for children evacuated from Atlantic City. They are in need of supplies (gas, groceries, clothes, diapers, cots, etc.) or donations. The staff has been working triple shifts and they are exhausted. If you would like to assist, e-mail jscozzo@covenanthouse.org.

Power Outages: What To Do During A Blackout

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:47:00 GMT

Be careful with generators. Gasoline and diesel powered generators release a large amount of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas. Running generators within a basement garage or any enclosed or paritally enclosed structure will lead to a dangerous - and often fatal - accumulation of carbon monoxide. Because the gas is odorless and colorless, its effects are not recognized and people will either fall asleep or not wake up. Generators shuold be used outdoors and well away from any structure. In addition, generators should never be connected to a buildings electrical system unless done so by a licensed electrician as this can cause "back feeding" into the areas electrical grid re-energizing downed wires.

When electric power is out, many people turn to candles for light, which is dangerous. Candles are meant for effect and smell, not for lighting. They should never be left unattended, never be placed in areas where children or pets could knock them over, and or placed near combustible materials such as curtains.

Some more helpful tips:

-Listen to your battery-powered radio or television for updated information, and for any directions from public safety officials.
-Use only a battery powered light, such as a flashlight, for emergency lighting
-Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when the power returns. Leave one light on to let you know when power has been restored.

Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
-Do not operate generators indoors
-Do not use charcoal to cook indoors
-Do not use you gas oven to heat your home

US Fire Administration Cold Weather Advise

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:45:00 GMT

U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION URGES RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY TO STAY SAFE AS COLD WEATHER APPROACHES

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is urging residents to be safe as cold weather blankets the United States, including areas recently impacted by Hurricane Sandy. According to the NOAA National Weather Service, a coastal storm is expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast beginning after midnight Tuesday night and continue through Thursday night, with clearing expected by Friday. Impacts to the effected regions include; strong gusty northerly winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-45 mph, rain of 1 to 2.5 inches along the coast, with lesser amounts inland possible, light wintry precipitation is possible inland, and coastal flooding/beach erosion along the New York/New Jersey coast. USFA urges everyone to monitor NOAA weather radio and local news reports for the latest storm conditions and take the necessary precautions to keep safe.

"As the cold weather approaches and residents are taking measures to stay warm, remember to take safety precautions," said U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell.

Cooking and home heating are the leading causes of residential building fires during periods of cold weather. The risk of fires also increases with the use of supplemental heating, such as space heaters. Carbon monoxide (CO) is also a serious threat in cold weather. Any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential CO source. Carbon monoxide is called the "invisible killer," because it is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are an important line of defense in the home, and they give consumers valuable escape time. About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or in homes where consumers have removed the alarm's batteries or where the batteries are dead.

The USFA recommends that in addition to having working smoke and CO alarms, all residents should follow these safety tips to prevent fires and CO poisoning during the recovery efforts from Hurricane Sandy:

Preventing Fires

Do not enter a building when the smell of natural gas is detected. Leave the building immediately and contact the fire department.
Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
Refuel heaters only outdoors.
Make sure wood stoves are properly operating, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items
Place space heaters on a floor that is flat and level. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials; and place space heaters out of the flow of foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the heater off when you leave the area.
Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
Store fireplace ashes in a fire-resistant container, and cover the container with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles. Dispose of ashes carefully, keeping them away from dry leaves, trash or other combustible materials.
Never bring gasoline into a building.

Preventing CO poisoning

Schedule a yearly professional inspection of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents.
NEVER operate a portable gasoline-powered generator in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, or crawlspace, or in the home.
Keep portable generators as far away from your home and your neighbors' homes as possible - away from open doors, windows or vents that could allow deadly carbon monoxide into the home.
When purchasing a space heater, ask the salesperson whether the heater has been safety-certified. A certified heater will have a safety certification mark. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.
Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space, unless they are designed specifically for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for proper use.
Never use gas or electric stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can pose a CO or fire hazard.

For further information regarding these safety tips or other post hurricane safety recommendations, visit www.fema.gov or www.ready.gov

As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the United States Fire Administration is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.