INTERRUPTING GOSSIP BLOG…HURRICANE IKE & HURRICANE GUSTAV VICTIMS

Please pass the word along (all Hurricanes)…As soon as possible..

Just because there is no coverage of the Hurricane aftermath, doesn’t mean hundreds of thousands are struggling to file for FEMA, clean up storm damaged homes, from EXTREMELY SEVERE to entirely flooded basements… People are still housed in shelters, homes completely wiped away, connecting food and furniture distribution to those who need it, organizing volunteers who are either knocking on doors trying to find people to help or overwhelmed with requests for help… And molding and other infectious mold and mildew buildup for not cleaning up properly…

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE HANDLING IN SUPPORT OF ANY DISASTER RELIEF

Click to go to the site

Go to this link for the Disaster Guide for 211 website

Go to this link for more disaster guidance (Gustav Victimes…)

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE HANDLING IN SUPPORT OF DISASTER RELIEF

Updated: See What is 211?

These guidelines will help those along the way to disaster recovery…they are written for NJ, but your state should be able to find the parallel information in your own state when you call 211.

FILING FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE

INSURANCE CLAIMS…………………………………………………………………………… 4

FEMA ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS…………………………………………………………… 4

FILING FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE………………………………………………………….. 4

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS…………………………………………………………… 5

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT………………………………………………………………. 6

III. IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………………………………. 7

SALVATION ARMY…………………………………………………………………………….. 7

AMERICAN RED CROSS……………………………………………………………………… 7

NEW JERSEY RED CROSS CHAPTERS……………………………………………………. 8

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL 2-1-1…………………………………………………. 9

DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE…………………………………………………… 9

NJ HELPS………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

IV. STATEWIDE DISASTER ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………………. 10

EMPLOYMENT……………………………………………………………………………………. 10

DOCUMENT REPLACEMENT………………………………………………………………….. 10

NEW JERSEY DRIVERS LICENSE OR ID…………………………………………………. 10

NEW OR REPLACEMENT SOCIAL SECURITY CARD…………………………………… 10

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) AND SOCIAL SECURITY

DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)…………………………………………………. 11

PRESERVING WET DOCUMENTS……………………………………………………………. 11

HOUSING………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

CHANGE OF ADDRESS…………………………………………………………………………. 12

LEGAL SERVICES………………………………………………………………………………… 12

PETS…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12

FINANCIAL SERVICES AND CONSUMER ADVICE……………………………………… 13

V. LOCAL COUNTY RESOURCES…………………………………………………………………………. 14

VI. CLEAN-UP…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17

FLOOD WATER CLEAN-UP TIPS……………………………………………………………. 17

INSIDE THE HOME…………………………………………………………………….. 17

MOLD……………………………………………………………………………………….. 18

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES TO REMOVE MOLD…………………………………… 18

VII. REPAIRS AND REBUILDING…………………………………………………………………………. 20

LICENSED HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS……………………………………. 20

CONTACTING UTILITY COMPANIES………………………………………………………. 20

VIII. INFORMATION ABOUT DONATIONS……………………………………………………………… 23

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE GIVING IN SUPPORT OF DISASTER RELIEF…. 24

Please make sure people find and call 211, just as the news networks have been doing all night. www.211.org

If you know anyone in harms Way or needs money, shelter, support services, Please tell them to dial 211 or 311!! (Depending on their location) They’ve unveiled a new website powered by the United Way.

These Photos Come from Hurricane Gustav’s Aftermath

More than 1 million people fled the Texas coast because of Hurricane Ike. 2 Million Fled New Orleans from Gustav…One interesting thing came about it all, a fossil was uncovered…

Sort of like a diamond in the rough. Meanwhile, the economy may be a mess, but I’m loving the lower gas prices…See Gas prices expected to fall further

Also See, Find a Shelter. Enter Your Zip and find a place to stay.

One More thing, 211 is NOT JUST FOR HURRICANE DISASTER VICTIMs. THERE’S A HUGE NUMBER OF 211 RESOURCES that can benefit you that I haven’t even mentioned. Check them out:

Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.

Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.

Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs.

Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services.

Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.

Volunteer opportunities and donations.

There is more