A condemnation notice is posted on the front door of a Crisfield home damaged by Hurricane Sandy. (Photo: WBOC)CRISFIELD, Md.- Somerset County residents affected by Hurricane Sandy can get first-hand information about disaster assistance and resources available to them directly from FEMA and Maryland Emergency Management Agency specialists at a disaster recovery center now open in Crisfield, officials announced Monday.
The center will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday at the following location:
The Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building
#2 Mill Lane
Crisfield, MD 21817
Federal assistance can include grants to individuals for rental assistance and essential home repairs. Specialists can direct survivors to agencies that may be able to meet specific needs. Information is also available on rebuilding safer and stronger.
"You can register with FEMA by phone or online, so it isn't necessary to go to a disaster recovery center," Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said. "However, if you want to speak with someone in person about assistance programs, eligibility or submitting documents to support a claim, we're there for you."
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available at the centers to assist survivors in completing their low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions about the loan program available to homeowners and renters as well as businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations. Officials noted that for many people, a completed SBA loan application is necessary to be considered for some types of federal financial disaster assistance. People with home-based businesses or rental property affected by the storm may also be eligible for SBA loans, according to officials.
Before going to a center, people with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA in any of the following ways:
- Online www.disasterassistance.gov
- By phone 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.
- Tablet or smart phone m.fema.gov
For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091 or www.mema.maryland.gov
