Governor Rell: Hotline and Web Site Set Up

for Residents to Register Flood Damages

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that a disaster registration hotline has been set up for Connecticut residents to report damages from the severe storms that swept through Connecticut in March.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hotline is 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  The hotline is open seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m. until 1 a.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 6:30 a.m. until midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.

“Connecticut residents who suffered flood damage should call this number as soon as possible,” Governor Rell said.  “The sooner you register, the sooner you can get assistance.   I also encourage people to register online.”

Online registration is available at www.disasterassistance.gov .

Governor Rell also said that FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be opening soon across Connecticut.  Residents will be able to meet face to face with FEMA officials and state emergency management officials at the centers.

On Friday, Governor Rell announced that President Obama – responding within 24 hours of an appeal spearheaded by the Governor – has reversed an earlier decision and approved federal disaster assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the March flooding.  Governor Rell called the decision "wonderful news" for the state.

            President Obama, in April, had initially denied a request for federal aid to affected individuals in Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, New Haven and Windham counties in response to severe storms that struck on March 12-14 and March 29-31.  The president did grant Governor Rell’s request for a “major disaster declaration” that allowed financial assistance to the state and municipal governments in Fairfield, Middlesex and New London counties.

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