FEMA and Food Assistance Available

There may soon be some relief for those effected by Hurricane Irene.

The FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now open in East Brunswick to provide assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene. The DRC is located in the Division of Parks building, 334 Dunhams Corner Road, East Brunswick, N.J. 08816 and is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seen days a week until further notice.

If you need to register, you should log on to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA's toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY, call 800-462-7585; or, use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Both numbers are available from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

At the center, visitors can receive information about different types of state and federal disaster assistance; get help completing applications for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations; inquire about the status of applications for federal assistance; receive referrals to voluntary organizations to help with immediate unmet needs; and learn cost-effective measures to reduce the impact of future disaster losses.

In addition, Disaster Food Assistance also is available to county individuals and families who experienced material losses during the storm and subsequent flooding.

Residents have seven days beginning today, (Monday, Sept. 12), to apply for the one-time benefit, provided through the disaster related Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

Middlesex County residents will have seven business days to apply for the one-time benefit, starting Sept. 12 and ending Tuesday, Sept. 20. Applications will be accepted at six sites throughout the County. East Brunswick residents should apply at the Old Bridge Police Department, 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge, N.J. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.