In order to help residents affected by the recent storms and learn about the assistance available from local, state and federal agencies, a Disaster Recovery Center will open next week in San Mateo.
The San Mateo County Executive's Office said the center will operate daily from February 9 through February 23 at the San Mateo County Events Center, parking lot main entrance located at 1346 Saratoga Drive.
Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., including weekends, in Cypress Hall.
Representatives from the county, the state Office of Emergency Services, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide information such as employment assistance, record replacement, veteran assistance, and access and functional needs assistance.
As well as information on housing options, referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance, and information on small business management programs.
Before attending the center, they suggest knowing the disaster assistance basics, on Assistance for Families and Individuals, the programs to support disaster survivors, the information required by FEMAand the assistance for governments and non-profit organizations.
It should be noted that if you suffered damage or loss due to New Year's storms, you can apply now for disaster assistance from FEMA.
Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, child care, and moving and storage expenses. The deadline to apply is March 16, 2023.
Remember, if you have insurance, a claim must first be filed with your insurance provider. FEMA provides assistance to uninsured and underinsured applicants for their serious needs and expenses caused by the disaster.
There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance under the Individual Assistance program, the first is to visit the website www.DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA application, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Help is available in many languages. If you use Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, provide FEMA with the number for that service. Helpline operators speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. The help line is available until 8:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
FEMA assistance became available when San Mateo County was added to the "major disaster declaration" for the series of storms that hit the state in late December 2022.
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