Important Information For Those Still Without Power

Hi Everyone,  Please read the email I recieved from Lonni.  If you would like to be added to the Wayne People Email List please email me your email address to Ruby@RubysTravel.com  Thank you

Ruby, Can you please distribute??
Thanks.
-Lonni

This is a quick update and important information for those still without power.

Our office has been in constant contact with the utility companies in an effort to pressure them get the lights turned back on. If you haven’t already, please contact our office directly and let us know if we can assist.

We are participating on multiple conference calls with the Christie Administration, utilities, and FEMA this afternoon and will hopefully get some more information and updates that we can share with you.

In the meantime, I wanted to make you aware of a “transitional” sheltering assistance program available to everyone in NJ, since Governor Chris Christie has declared the entire state a disaster area.

The program that will provide residents who are without power to register to receive federal assistance to stay in hotels or motels until their power is restored.

I know this is not a solution. It’s simple a short-term fix and opportunity to get warm until the power is back.

We have been told by our FEMA representative that their have been limited reports of cases that have been denied in other parts of the state. He assured us that FEMA is working through these issues.

If you have a problem with the program or need help, please contact our office for assistance and we will contact FEMA directly to work any issues out.

I have pasted FEMA’s press release, which contains the contact information and details of this federal program.

-Scott

Assemblyman Scott T. Rumana (40th District)

155 Route 46 West, Suite 108

Wayne, NJ 07470

973/237-1362

FEMA TRANSITIONAL SHELTERING ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR HURRICANE 

SANDY EVACUEES WITH INACCESSIBLE OR UNLIVABLE HOMES

TRENTON, NJ – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the request of the state of New Jersey, has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which allows eligible evacuees from Hurricane Sandy, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.

This federal assistance is intended to provide a place to stay for a longer period of time for evacuees whose neighborhoods are not accessible or whose houses have been destroyed. The initial period of assistance is from Nov. 1, 2012 to Nov. 14, 2012, with a Nov. 15 checkout. However, this federal program will not reimburse applicants for previously incurred hotel expenses. Applicants are responsible for their own meals and for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance.

"To be eligible to receive this federal assistance you must register with FEMA,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael J. Hall. "Keep in mind the TSA initiative is only a temporary fix. We are working diligently with our state and local partners to develop a long-term housing solution to help people until their homes and communities are repaired or rebuilt. But, again, you must register with FEMA to be able to benefit from this short-term aid."

You can register for FEMA assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Eligible evacuees must fit the following criteria:

1. FEMA must be able to verify the identity of the evacuee;

2. The primary residence of the evacuee must be in one of the counties that has been designated a disaster area; and

3. The primary residence is inaccessible or unlivable due to damage or lack of power.

TSA allows eligible individuals or families to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA. Meals, telephone calls and other incidental charges are not covered.