Trenton, NJ – Acting Governor Kim Guadagno announced that the State has sent a letter to President Obama seeking a Major Disaster Declaration for Atlantic, Cumberland and Salem counties following a storm that impacted the state beginning on June 30th. She also requested federal funding for hazard mitigation measures statewide. The storms contained high winds and high rain volume and was characterized by the National Weather Service as “Super Derecho,” a wide-spread, long-lived wind storm associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms. The high winds caused two deaths, extensive property damage and downed trees in the impacted area, resulting in widespread power outages, road closures and displacement of families from their homes.

In a letter transmitted to the Obama Administration, Acting Governor Guadagno requested Individual Assistance (IA) to offset losses incurred by residents in Atlantic and Cumberland counties and Public Assistance (PA) for government agencies and eligible private nonprofit organizations in Atlantic, Cumberland, and Salem counties. Until it is determined whether the State’s request for federal aid is met, residents who need assistance with clean-up or basic needs can call 2-1-1 for help.

For more information regarding disaster recovery. visit:

• NJOEM Disaster-Related Info: www.ready.nj.gov
  
  
• NJ 211 Call Center: Call 2-1-1 or click www.nj211.org; Free 24-hour statewide service - putting people in need of assistance, in-touch with people who can help.
  
  
• NJ Division of Mental Health Services “Managing the Emotional Consequences of Storms and Flooding”: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhs/disaster/#4
  
  
• FEMA Recovery Program Info:
  • Declaration Process: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/dproc.shtm
  • PDA's: http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/pda.shtm
  • Individual Assistance Info: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/process/individual_assistance.shtm
  • Public Assistance Info: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm