Official Site of The State of New JerseySteps to Follow After a Disaster
Step 1
Address your immediate needs.
For emergencies, call 911.
To help find immediate shelter, contact your local government or the Red Cross at 1-800-RedCross. The Red Cross may also assist you to obtain essential food or medicine.
Monitor the media or engage with your local government representatives for important announcements.
Additionally, you may visit ready.nj.gov for Statewide emergency information.
Step 2
Check for disaster declaration.
When the President declares a major disaster, relief opportunities including financial assistance from FEMA and SBA become available. Use the tool below to search active declarations in your area.
Hurricane Ida Information Hub Check for Federal Disaster Declarations
Is there an active disaster declaration in your county?
Step 3
Apply for Assistance
If you are seeking information regarding the Remnants of Hurricane Ida, click here to visit the Hurricane Ida Information Hub. The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or apply for a US Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for Ida passed on January 5, 2022, but new programs from the State and other organizations may help.
A federal disaster declaration opens multiple relief and recovery programs. Primary programs include relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), providing assistance with immediate needs, and the US Small Business Administration (SBA), providing low-interest loans for long-term recovery.
FEMA may provide individuals and families with financial help or other aid to meet immediate needs, including rental assistance, legal assistance, grants to make your home livable, and more.
SBA offers low-interest loans for long-term recovery needs, including repairing and replacing damaged property. These loans are open to property owners, renters, and small businesses or non-profits.
How to Apply
The fastest method to receive federal assistance is to apply online at the following links:
Apply for FEMA Assistance Apply for SBA Assistance
You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply in person. Check for open locations near you using this DRC Locator (fema.gov) tool from FEMA.
For support in completing the required applications, or for any questions, see the below section.
Questions & Help
You may contact the FEMA helpline at (800) 621 3362 or by email at AskIA@fema.dhs.gov.
You may contact the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659 2955 or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center near you for in person help. Check for open locations near you using this DRC Locator (fema.gov) tool from FEMA, or contact customer service.
If you are seeking information regarding the Remnants of Hurricane Ida, click here to visit the Hurricane Ida Information Hub. The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or apply for a US Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for Ida passed on January 5, 2022, but new programs from the State and other organizations may help.
Monitor the media. A disaster declaration may occur days or weeks after a disaster has passed, as the federal government performs necessary damage reviews.
Contact your insurance provider. A disaster declaration may not be required for your to file a claim and receive compensation. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has released guidance on filing a homeowner's insurance or auto insurance claim for storm-related damage, as well as information about flood insurance. For more information, visit NJDOBI.
Research aid. Even if there is no active declaration, other programs and help may also be announced. The American Red Cross maintains a disaster helpline at 1-800-RedCross and may help you with temporary shelter, to obtain food or medicine, and other referrals. For additional programs that may help, visit the following links:
Track all expenses. You may need to submit receipts, invoices, or show photos of the damage to your home and belongings upon request by current or future recovery programs.
If you are seeking information regarding the Remnants of Hurricane Ida, click here to visit the Hurricane Ida Information Hub. The deadline to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or apply for a US Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for Ida passed on January 5, 2022, but new programs from the State and other organizations may help.
Click on the button below to check for Federal Disaster Declarations
Check for Federal Disaster Declarations
You may also contact the FEMA Hotline to determine if you are located in a declared disaster area. Call (800) 621 3362 or email AskIA@fema.dhs.gov.
Monitor the media. A disaster declaration may occur days or weeks after a disaster has passed, as the federal government performs necessary damage reviews.
Contact your insurance provider. A disaster declaration may not be required for your to file a claim and receive compensation. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has released guidance on filing a homeowner's insurance or auto insurance claim for storm-related damage, as well as information about flood insurance. For more information, visit NJDOBI.
Research aid. Even if there is no active declaration, other programs and help may also be announced. The American Red Cross maintains a disaster helpline at 1-800-RedCross and may help you with temporary shelter, to obtain food or medicine, and other referrals. For additional programs that may help, visit the following links:
- Food, Health, & Relief
- Housing & Shelter
- Mental Health
- Small Business
- Local Government & Non-Profits
Track all expenses. You may need to submit receipts, invoices, or show photos of the damage to your home and belongings upon request by current or future recovery programs.
