FEMA representatives meet with residents in Paterson after Ida damage

ByAnthony Johnson WABC logo

Monday, September 20, 2021

FEMA representatives meet with residents in Paterson after Ida damage

FEMA representatives were on hand for Paterson residents who suffered property damage and loss from Hurricane Ida.

PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- FEMA representatives were on hand for Paterson residents who suffered property damage and loss from Hurricane Ida.

Representatives met with residents at Cobb Park to help them get the ball rolling to receive funds.

FEMA provides survivors with basic needs to help start recovery, including making essential home repairs, finding a temporary place to stay, and repairing or replacing certain household items.

Due to their proximity to the Passaic River, the neighborhood surrounding Cobb Park was one of the many areas in Paterson severely affected by Ida.

Mayor Andre Sayegh, Paterson Fire Department Chief Brian McDermott, and Deputy Chief Ronald Van Kluyve, OEM Deputy Coordinator also attended. They said that representatives were going to go door-to-door to offer assistance as well.

So far, some 100 residents have signed up for help, but officials know there are many more.

"Something I'd like to make abundantly clear is that this is not the only area that was impacted, it was one of the hardest hit, but if you are a resident of Paterson and you were adversely affected, by all means, you can come to Cobb Park for assistance," Sayegh said.

Paterson Public Schools, suffered several damaged buildings from the storm and had to start the 2021-2022 school year with three days of remote learning as facilities and maintenance crews worked to make the buildings safe for students.

Paterson is also still under a boil water advisory. Police and firefighters have been handing out water to residents at several locations. The boil water advisory could last a few more weeks.

To apply for federal assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov/ or call 1-800-621-FEMA.