Governor Rell Urges Residents, Businesses to

Report Storm Damages to 2-1-1

Data to Help State Make Its Appeal to Feds

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today urged state residents and business owners in Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties who experienced property damage from the March storms and flooding to report those damages to the state’s free Infoline, 2-1-1.

“We are appealing the federal government’s rejection of financial assistance for individuals and businesses severely affected by last month’s heavy downpours, high winds and flooding. We need residents and businesses to help the state make its case,” Governor Rell said.

 “Part of our appeal to President Obama and FEMA must include damage data in addition to what has already been collected.  So from now through May 14^th, we need residents to call 2-1-1 and report their damages,” the Governor said. “Please do so even if you have reported your damages before.  The information you provide can help us change the federal government’s decision.”

President Obama on Tuesday denied the Governor’s request for Individual Assistance (IA) for 5 counties:  Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham.  The Governor has directed the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) to prepare an appeal of the decision. 

Data will be collected starting at 6 p.m. today (April 29) through 6 p.m. Friday, May 14. The 2-1-1 Infoline will be fielding calls seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Report damage by dialing 211 or on-line at www.211ct.org .

“Residents and business owners will be asked approximately 10 to 12 questions about the extent of damage they received from the March storms,” Governor Rell said.  “This data collection process will help us in preparing our appeal.”

If the appeal is granted and the state receives Individual Assistance, residents and businesses in the declared counties will receive further instruction on how to apply for assistance. This information will be available on the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) website (www.ct.gov/demhs).

If the appeal is not successful, the Governor may request a Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration for affected counties.  If the SBA declaration request is granted, low-interest Physical Disaster Loans will be available to homeowners, renters and businesses.  Businesses can also apply for Economic Injury Loans.