Storm Update Where to Get Help

Storm Update Friday, November 02, 2012
Our shoreline, once again, has been hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. I had the chance to tour some areas andthe damage is devastating! Many people have concurred that there is more substantial damage this timearound than the last storm. However, local, state and federal officials are working hard to bring relief andget us back on track as quickly as possible.
Governor Malloy has announced that various cities and tows, including New Haven County, have beenapproved to receive federal assistance, but in order to access aid, applicants must register with FEMA byphone or online. I encourage anyone who was impacted by the storm- individuals, businesses and non-profits to follow the instructions below to get the process started.
If you incurred uninsured losses as a result of Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for economicassistance from the federal government. Please read through the details below to learn how to apply. It isimperative that you keep accurate records of your hurricane-related expenses. You must have proofof your expenditures in order to receive federal assistance!
Applicants can access the information and register by phone, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The TTY linefor people with speech or hearing disabilities is 1-800-462-7585. The line is open from 7:00 a.m. to10:00 p.m., seven days per week.
To register online, applications may be completed at www.disasterassistance.gov.
In addition, for residents who have disaster assistance questions a FEMA Helpline is available at 1-800-621-3362.
Also, we have been informed that steps have been taken to allow residents and property owners toimmediately repair or rebuild seawalls, bulkheads, and revetments damaged by Storm Sandy in regulatedcoastal and tidal areas. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has putemergency provisions in place that will support storm recovery efforts. For more information on DEEP’semergency and temporary authorizations, visit www.ct.gov/deep and select the Coastal Permitting link inthe Storm Sandy box, or call 860-424-3034.
United Illuminating has always prioritized safety issues, such as removing downed wires. They are nowmaking progress toward restoring power. If you still have no power, please call 1-800-722-5584. Thiswill help them to better identify whether you were part of a problem affecting a larger area or if yourproblem is just affecting your specific home or business. They have projected they will complete servicerestoration to 95% of customers before midnight on Monday, Nov. 5. Later today, I will be gettingupdated street specific power restoration information from UI. Please feel free to call my cell 203-701-6098 if you wish for details, or check my Facebook page for updates.
For those in need of shelter, The Red Cross has set up the Milford Senior Center as a place to get food,water and sleeping cots. They will be open through Monday, November 5th at 8:00 am. They are locatedat 9 Jeson Drive in Milford. In addition, two Ready Made Meals & Water Distribution Centers have beenset up at: Fire Station 6 - Platt & Melba Streets and Fire Station 8 - Naugatuck & Miller Avenues, as
well as a couple of charging station locations: Chamber of Commerce- 5 Broad Street and Milford PublicLibrary- 57 New Haven Avenue
The United Way of Milford is now accepting donations for a relief fund to assist victims of HurricaneSandy. They will be working closely with city departments and partner agencies to disburse funds.Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the United Way, 20 Evergreen Ave., Milford, CT 06460.Checks should be made payable to "United Way of Milford." Please indicate "hurricane relief" in thememo section.
The Jonathan Law Band & Guard will be collecting non-perishable food, clothing and new blanketdonations for our fellow Milford residents who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Donations willbe collected from 11am to 4pm Saturday, Nov 3rd in the parking lot of Kmart.
Please note two informational sessions have been scheduled to assist hurricane victims with questionsand federal aid application process for November 3rd and 10th at the Parsons Complex Gymnasium,70 West River Street, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. FEMA officials and various insurance companies’representatives will be on hand with information those days.
Halloween has been postponed until next Wednesday, November 7th.
As of now, voting on Election Day November 6 will take place at the normal polling locations,whether or not they have regular power. Portable generators will be used if necessary to get them open.
For further updates and information, please check the town website at http://www.ci.milford.ct.usor call 203-874-6781 or 203-874-6782.
I thank you for your patience and understanding during this extremely difficult time. We do have theresilience to rebuild and come back stronger than we ever were. If you have power and have resourcesavailable, I encourage you to share your blessings with others that are less fortunate as well.
Sincerely,
Kim Rose