Courtney urges eastern Connecticut residents to apply for Disaster Assistance before November 3 deadline

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Joe Courtney today urged eastern Connecticut residents who were affected by Tropical Storm Irene to apply for disaster assistance, even if they are covered by insurance. According to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), more than 4,000 Connecticut residents have already applied for disaster assistance. Officials believe, however, that there may be more disaster-affected individuals who have not applied because they think their damages do not warrant coverage.

"If their home or property were at all damaged during Tropical Storm Irene, I urge residents to apply for disaster assistance before the November 3 deadline," said Congressman Courtney. "Applying today will ensure that you are eligible for a range of assistance, including low-interest loans and Individual Assistance, to help you recover from this storm."

The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is Thursday, Nov. 3. Apply online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 1-800-621-3362/FEMA or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.

Additionally, Congressman Courtney urged Connecticut residents to attend FEMA workshops aimed at helping Connecticut residents reduce property losses during future severe weather.

FEMA mitigation specialists will provide information, including:

• Elevating electrical services and appliances;
• Installing sewer back-flow valves;
• Cleaning and remediating mold and mildew;
• Removing and replacing drywall and insulation;
• Channeling water away from foundations;
• Repairing with water-resistant materials; and
• The permitting process required for re-building.

Workshops will be held at:

Dayville
Lowe's
1150 Killingly Commons Drive
Dayville, Conn. 06241

Thursday, Sept. 29
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 30
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Groton
Johnson's True Value Hardware
40 Fort Hill Road
Groton, Conn. 06340

Tuesday, Oct. 4
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 5
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Old Saybrook
Saybrook Ace Hardware Co., Inc.
132 Main St.
Old Saybrook, Conn. 06475

Saturday, Oct. 1
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 2
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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