FEMA to Open Nine Disaster Recovery Centers

The Federal Emergency Management Agency plans to open at least one Disaster Recovery Center in every county in the state to assist homeowners and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

Two New Haven County centers are:

• Gateway Community College, 88 Bassett Road, North Haven
• High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Rd. Orange

The centers will open Thursday at noon with scheduled hours Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“I am urging any individual or business who has suffered losses or damages as a result of Tropical Storm Irene to visit a center and work with staff there to review what benefits to which they may be entitled,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement Wednesday.

“These centers provide an opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have with regard to federal disaster assistance and assistance with application preparation.”

The centers will be staffed by a combination of state and federal disaster recovery specialists, including representatives from the Small Business Administration, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

“Registering with FEMA is the first step in determining if you qualify for federal disaster assistance,” Malloy said.

Those with damage or losses as a result of the tropical storm are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting the recovery center by either calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), going online atwww.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using any PDA device at m.fema.gov. For those with speech or hearing disabilities, the TTY number is 800-462-7585.

Malloy also reminded Connecticut residents even if they have already provided damage information to their towns, FEMA, state officials or 2-1-1, they must still officially register with FEMA to be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Other Connecticut Disaster Recovery Centers will be located at:

Fairfield County

Western Greenwich Civic Center
449 Pemberwick Road
Greenwich, CT

Hartford County

Tunxis Community College
271 Scott Swamp Road
Farmington, CT

Litchfield County

Torrington Fire Headquarters
111 Water Street
Torrington, CT

Middlesex County

Department of Police Services
6 Custom Drive
Old Saybrook, CT

New London County

Groton Senior Center
102 Newtown Road 
Groton, CT

Tolland County

Community Center
10 South Eagleville Road       
Storrs-Mansfield, CT 06268

Windham County

Quinebaug Valley Community College 
742 Upper Maple St
Danielson, CT