Atlantic County Qualifies For FEMA Aid

Residents and businesses in Atlantic County that were impacted by Tropical Storm Sandy can now apply for uninsured and underinsured losses, Atlantic County officials announced on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

The county made the announcement after receiving a federal declaration for public and individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Applications are available online at www.fema.gov or by calling customer service at 1-800-621-3662.

County and local emergency management officials are working to finalize re-entry plans for the barrier islands, including Atlantic City, Brigantine, Margate, Ventnor and Newport, county officials said. Access to these islands remains restricted , and will continue to be until towns and homes are deemed safe and inhabitable, county officials said.

However, after a tour of Brigantine, Margate and Longport earlier Wednesday, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson has requested restrictions on access to these areas be lifted. Christie, was touring these areas with President Barack Obama Wednesday afternoon, must approve the request before residents can return home.

Additionally, the sewer system in Ventnor has sustained flooding and is filled with saltwater, county officials said. Ventnor residents will not be able to return to the city until this issue is resolved, and residents who have questions may call city hall at (609) 823-7900.

About 65,000 Atlantic City Electric customers remain without power throughout the county, and numerous homes have suffered damage as a result of flooding related to the storm, county officials said.

Residents in need of assistance should first call their local office of emergency assistance. Contact numbers are available in the phone book and online at www.ReadyAtlantic.org.