FEMA disaster recovery centers open around Connecticut

HARTFORD — Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Centers opened Thursday in each of the state’s counties, including two in New Haven County.

The centers are intended to assist homeowners and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Irene.

“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. “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.”

Regular hours will be Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The centers will be staffed with state and federal disaster recovery specialists, including Small Business Administration representatives, who will provide information and answer questions about disaster assistance programs, the statement said.

Residents with damage or losses as a result of the hurricane turned tropical storm are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting the recovery center by either calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by using any PDA device at m.fema.gov, the statement said. Residents with speech or hearing disabilities, can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.

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

“It is also important to note that residents who have already provided damage information to their towns, FEMA, state officials or 2-1-1 must still register with FEMA, the statement said.

Locations are: Western Greenwich Civic Center, 449 Pemberwick Road, Greenwich; Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington; Torrington Fire Headquarters 111 Water St. Torrington; Department of Police Services, 6 Custom Drive, Old Saybrook; Gateway Community College 88 Bassett Road, North Haven; High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, Orange; Groton Senior Center 102 Newtown Road, Groton; religious Community Center 10 South Eagleville Road, Storrs (Mansfield); and Quinebaug Valley Community College 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson.