HURRICANE SANDY DISASTER RELIEF & RESOURCES
FOR BRIDGEPORT BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS
City, State & Federal help and practical advice may be accessed in the sections below
MAYOR BILL FINCH - CITY OF BRIDGEPORT
Continuously updated alerts on public safety, clean-up and assistance programs are available on the City homepage: http://www.bridgeportct.gov
Special City website dedicated to SANDY information: www.bptsandy.com
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
The comprehensive State of Connecticut website for SANDY information and announcements is: www.ct.gov/sandy You will find information and links on insurance, public health, shelter and utility outages.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
A federal disaster declaration covers much of the State of Connecticut with very significant benefits available for residents and businesses.
Important news, tips and a centralized directory of federal assistance is available at: www.usa.gov/sandy
FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IN BRIDGEPORT
A federal assistance center has opened in downtown Bridgeport (and in Greenwich) to serve Fairfield County. If possible, it is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with some of the programs and REGISTER with FEMA before coming into the center at (www.DisasterAssistance.gov, and for those with speech or hearing disabilities, the TTY number is 800-462-7585).
The Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center is located at Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd, in downtown Bridgeport, take I-95 exit 27 or the Rt8/25 connector to Exit 1. Enter the College via the State Street entrance (State Street between Lafayette and Broad). Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We visited the Recovery Center Monday Nov 5 and it is staffed with government disaster recovery specialists, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs. Help is available for individuals, organizations and businesses concerning shelter, food and economic loss.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Businesses and residents in the City of Bridgeport and our neighboring towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties are eligible for Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.
Outside of our region, injured parties in Middlesex and New London Counties, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribal Nation are also eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland, and Windham Counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
BUSINESS OWNERS PLEASE NOTE !!
The primary direct federal disaster recovery program for businesses and non-profit organizations is through the SBA (Small Business Administration), NOT the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The primary SBA tools are two forms of fast turn-around, low cost business loans.
Physical Damage Loan: this loan is design to put you back in the position you were in “one day before Hurricane Sandy” and address, for example, structural damage, losing your roof, equipment flooded by sea water, etc.
Economic Loss Loan: (no physical damage is required) this loan will provide funds to replace cash flow lost due to lost power, low sales, loss of customers, loss of suppliers, etc.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
These are low-interest loans with no fees or closing costs, no prepayment penalty and can be a good way to “bridge” your business to the point where you may receive insurance payments or to where your normal cash flow is expected to rebound.
You may want to schedule a meeting with your accountant or bookkeeper because the loan application will require the up-to-date financial statements.
The SBA filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is January 28, 2013 (new extended date!). The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 31, 2013.
The local Connecticut office for the federal Small Business Administration is online at: www.sba.gov/ct or contact them c/o:
Bernard M. Sweeney, District Director
Connecticut SBA District Office
330 Main Street - 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT. 06106
Phone: 860-240-4670 Fax: 860-240-4714
Bernard.Sweeney@sba.gov
Click here for two important SBA documents with more details on loan requirements, rates, terms, etc:
CT SBA Hurricane Assistance Fact Sheet
SBA Disaster Loan Filing Requirements
(these are in the pdf format and you will need the Adobe Acrobat, free download HERE)
For general hurricane assistance and contractor opportunities offered by the SBA see: http://www.sba.gov/content/2012-hurricane-and-tropical-storm-recovery-assistance-information
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
IRS Hurricane SANDY page
announcements of special programs and news releases
The IRS has a central website for disaster assistance
Two particularly pertinent sections are:
· Documenting casualty losses
· Reconstructing records
TIPS FOR DISASTER RECOVERY
Preparing for Your Business or Home Insurance or Government Claim
Make your repairs
FOR BRIDGEPORT BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS
City, State & Federal help and practical advice may be accessed in the sections below
MAYOR BILL FINCH - CITY OF BRIDGEPORT
Continuously updated alerts on public safety, clean-up and assistance programs are available on the City homepage: http://www.bridgeportct.gov
Special City website dedicated to SANDY information: www.bptsandy.com
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
The comprehensive State of Connecticut website for SANDY information and announcements is: www.ct.gov/sandy You will find information and links on insurance, public health, shelter and utility outages.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
A federal disaster declaration covers much of the State of Connecticut with very significant benefits available for residents and businesses.
Important news, tips and a centralized directory of federal assistance is available at: www.usa.gov/sandy
FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER IN BRIDGEPORT
A federal assistance center has opened in downtown Bridgeport (and in Greenwich) to serve Fairfield County. If possible, it is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with some of the programs and REGISTER with FEMA before coming into the center at (www.DisasterAssistance.gov, and for those with speech or hearing disabilities, the TTY number is 800-462-7585).
The Bridgeport Disaster Recovery Center is located at Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd, in downtown Bridgeport, take I-95 exit 27 or the Rt8/25 connector to Exit 1. Enter the College via the State Street entrance (State Street between Lafayette and Broad). Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We visited the Recovery Center Monday Nov 5 and it is staffed with government disaster recovery specialists, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs. Help is available for individuals, organizations and businesses concerning shelter, food and economic loss.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Businesses and residents in the City of Bridgeport and our neighboring towns in Fairfield and New Haven Counties are eligible for Home Disaster Loans, Business Physical Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.
Outside of our region, injured parties in Middlesex and New London Counties, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Mohegan Tribal Nation are also eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland, and Windham Counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
BUSINESS OWNERS PLEASE NOTE !!
The primary direct federal disaster recovery program for businesses and non-profit organizations is through the SBA (Small Business Administration), NOT the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The primary SBA tools are two forms of fast turn-around, low cost business loans.
Physical Damage Loan: this loan is design to put you back in the position you were in “one day before Hurricane Sandy” and address, for example, structural damage, losing your roof, equipment flooded by sea water, etc.
Economic Loss Loan: (no physical damage is required) this loan will provide funds to replace cash flow lost due to lost power, low sales, loss of customers, loss of suppliers, etc.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
These are low-interest loans with no fees or closing costs, no prepayment penalty and can be a good way to “bridge” your business to the point where you may receive insurance payments or to where your normal cash flow is expected to rebound.
You may want to schedule a meeting with your accountant or bookkeeper because the loan application will require the up-to-date financial statements.
The SBA filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is January 28, 2013 (new extended date!). The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 31, 2013.
The local Connecticut office for the federal Small Business Administration is online at: www.sba.gov/ct or contact them c/o:
Bernard M. Sweeney, District Director
Connecticut SBA District Office
330 Main Street - 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT. 06106
Phone: 860-240-4670 Fax: 860-240-4714
Bernard.Sweeney@sba.gov
Click here for two important SBA documents with more details on loan requirements, rates, terms, etc:
CT SBA Hurricane Assistance Fact Sheet
SBA Disaster Loan Filing Requirements
(these are in the pdf format and you will need the Adobe Acrobat, free download HERE)
For general hurricane assistance and contractor opportunities offered by the SBA see: http://www.sba.gov/content/2012-hurricane-and-tropical-storm-recovery-assistance-information
THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
IRS Hurricane SANDY page
announcements of special programs and news releases
The IRS has a central website for disaster assistance
Two particularly pertinent sections are:
· Documenting casualty losses
· Reconstructing records
TIPS FOR DISASTER RECOVERY
Preparing for Your Business or Home Insurance or Government Claim
- If you can do it safely, make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property. You may need to cover broken windows or leaking roofs, or patch damaged walls. Don’t make permanent repairs until your insurer inspects the property and you reach an agreement on the cost of repairs. Keep your receipts for the claim adjuster.
- Take photos or video of the damage. Take multiple photos from several angles.
- Keep any damaged belongings for the adjuster to inspect. But local officials may require the disposal of damaged items. If so, keep a piece or other sample of the item(s) for the adjuster
- Make a list of damaged or lost items, BE AS SPECIFIC AND DETAILED AS POSSIBLE - include manufacturer, model name/number, age of the item and value. Also, if possible, have receipts for lost items available for the adjuster.
- Find your insurance policy. Review coverage, deductibles etc.
- File your claim quickly. Call your insurance company or agent. Your policy may require you to notify the insurer within a certain timeframe.
- Cooperate with the insurance company. Use hotlines and websites to determine what documents, forms and data you'll need to file a claim. Keep a diary of all conversations with insurers, creditors or relief agencies.
- Ask your insurer about additional living expenses.
- Ask the adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim-settlement offer.
- Don't take the first offer. You don't have to accept the first settlement your insurance company offers. If you don't think a settlement is enough, go back and look over your policy. Read the coverage limits for various types of structures and personal possessions and check how the insurance company is applying each type. Talk to the claims adjuster. If he or she doesn't provide satisfaction, go higher up the chain of command.
Make your repairs
- Prevent mold and remove wet contents immediately. Saturated carpeting, stuffed furniture, bedding (if wet) and any other items holding dampness, moisture or water inside the building should be removed. Walls, floors, doors, closets and shelves should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
- Thoroughly dry out the building's interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful and rental costs may be covered under your flood policy. Your air conditioner can also be used to start the drying out process.
- If the walls are damaged take photographs of the baseboard then remove it. Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will permit moisture trapped behind the drywall to seep out and start drying.
- Have your furnace checked for damage. Your water heater may be working but if the floodwater was up on the tank, the insulation between the walls is damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged one.
- Restore water-damaged books, heirlooms and photographs with tips from http://www.fema.gov/news-release/tips-saving-water-damaged-valuables-and-heirlooms .
- Save all receipts.
- If you can do it safely, properly contain and dispose of any hazardous materials. This could include items such as chemicals, paints, antifreeze, bug and weed killers.
- Check out home improvement contractors or trade contractors with license verification and tips from CT Department of Consumer Protection. Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance and bonding. Record the license plate number and driver’s license number of the contractor. Ask for references.
- Be wary of contractors who demand partial or full payment before work starts or is completed. Insist upon written document which spells out the work to be done and the costs and payments agreed upon. If the contractor needs payment to buy supplies, go with the contractor and pay the store or supplier directly.