This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Residents Encouraged to Report Storm Damages

The county is seeking to appeal a FEMA denial for individual assistance.

Both residents and businesses that suffered damages to property or incurred losses as a result of the that left the county without power for days are encouraged to report that information to either county or municipal emergency management officials, according to a release from Atlantic County on Friday.

The county is seeking an appeal on a FEMA decision that does not include individual assistance for homeowners and businesses impacted by the storm, the release said.

A federal disaster declaration for public assistance to certain non-profits and government agencies was enacted on July 19 in Atlantic, Salem and Cumberland counties, but that declaration excludes individual homeowners and businesses, the release said.

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Earlier this week, emergency officials were notified that FEMA has denied the request for individual assistance, but county officials plan to submit an appeal.

“These decisions are typically based on certain thresholds of property damage which is why it is imperative to have a complete compilation,” said County Executive Dennis Levinson.

Find out what's happening in Gallowaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Damage can be reported on the county’s web sites at www.ReadyAtlantic.org as well as www.aclink.org. Those without access to the internet can call their local office of emergency management.

The state may file the appeal on behalf of the three counties and county officials will plan to meet with representatives from the state next week. An appeal would need to be filed within 60 days, the release said.

“With the public’s assistance in reporting damages we believe we have a good chance at reversing the decision. But there is no time to waste; the clock is ticking,” said Levinson.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?