FEMA Opens in Court House Library

COURT HOUSE – Representatives of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been stationed in the Cape May County Library basement, 30 Mechanic St. as of Nov. 2.
Hours of operation, Nov. 2 until 6 p.m., Nov. 3-4 will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Starting Nov. 5, open 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.until further notice.
Those who plan to apply are asked to register prior to arrival by calling 1-800-621-3362. The reason for that, according to Chris McKniff, public information officer for this area, is to provide the personal and private information away from the public. However, there will be opportunity to give that information on site, for those who cannot call ahead.
Information needed includes Social Security number, insurance policy numbers, and other data for filing an application.
FEMA representatives have gone door-to-door in some areas of Middle Township, McKniff said. They are only handing out literature to educate the public about the registration process and what is available to them.
All those FEMA personnel have FEMA badges and wear FEMA attire, he said.
“They will not ask for any personal information or solicit anything from them,” McKniff said. “They will only give out information on programs available,” he stressed.
“We stress for the people to register. We cannot help them unless they are in the system,” he added.
Types of aid available from FEMA include:
* Housing grants, depending upon situation.
* Money for essential home repairs to return the dwelling to a habitable condition.
* Grant money for temporary housing, if they have been displaced by the storm.
* Possible money to replace damaged appliances.
“If the people have insurance, we still encourage them to apply. If the insurance falls short, we may be able to meet some needs. It is all done on a case by case basis, and will depend on the applicant,” said McKniff.