Camden County Applying For FEMA Assistance To Help Flood Victims

The Camden County Office of Emergency Management is finalizing its damage assessment one week after severe flooding hit South Jersey, resulting in Gov. Phil Murphy declaring a State of Emergency for the region.

It has been working alongside local counterparts in the affected towns and boroughs throughout the county, as well as the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management, to verify reported damage that will be audited and sent to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).

“Based on the damage wrought by last week’s storm, our OEM coordinator has been working alongside our local and state partners to determine the preliminary damage assessment to our county,” Camden County Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Department of Public Safety, said. “Based on our data we have more than $9 million of personal and public destruction that took place countywide after receiving more than 5 inches of rain in about five hours.”

Residents who were victims of last week’s flooding should continue to work with professionals in order to ensure that their homes are safe, officials said. Anyone who evacuated their home should not re-enter their home until professionals have determined that there are no structural, electrical, or other potential hazards remaining.

Officials remind residents that flooding can cause severe health issues as a result of standing water and wet conditions. After flood waters have subsided, homeowners should safely remove any items that can’t be washed and disinfected and get rid of them immediately.

This may include mattresses, carpeting, rugs, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, books, and many other items. All hard surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.

“Flood waters can contain sewage and other contaminants, making it extremely important that you protect yourself and your family from potential illness by following these procedures,” Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Department of Health, said. “Even a week after these flooding incidents, you should be checking for, and disposing of, items that have been affected by flood waters.”

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed several resources for homeowners and renters affected by flooding and related damages. Important tools such asThe Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters and FEMA’s Creating a Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes supply needed information regarding safe and effective site cleanup.

“It is imperative for residents to make prudent decisions if water has entered the home, and to ensure that they are coming back into a clean and safe environment,” Rodriguez said.

Camden and Gloucester counties have also worked together to open a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) for flood victims. It will be located at Gloucester City High School, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 30.

Gloucester City High School is located at 1300 Market Street in Gloucester City at the corner of Market Street and Route 130. Residents must bring proof of address in order to receive materials. For additional information about available services and resources, visit NJ211.org or call 2-1-1.

Partner resources available at the MARC will include service organizations such as the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon, Catholic Charities USA, and others. Also present will be Camden County and Gloucester County agencies, including the Office of Emergency Management.

Residents are also encouraged to take the following steps:

1. Contact your insurance company (auto and homeowners) and file a claim (if claim is denied, keep the denial letter)
2. Take photographs of everything
3. Keep receipts of any disaster-related expenses, such as lodging, medical, repair and cleaning supplies, etc.
4. Make a list of the major items that have been damaged, such as utilities, appliances, furniture, and personal property

Anyone who has immediate needs such as shelter, food, water, clothing, etc., should call 2-1-1. In an emergency, call 911. Below is a link from FEMA regarding the PDA process:
https://www.fema.gov/blog/2012-03-20/what-preliminary-damage-assessments-really-mean.