President Obama Surveys Hurricane Damage In Paterson, New Jersey
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – President Barack Obama visited Paterson, New Jersey Sunday.
The President surveyed the damage from Hurricane Irene. Flooding continues to be a problem, one week since the disaster.
The Passaic River is receding but the Mayor Jeffery Jones says several thousand people have not been able to return to their homes and businesses.
Meanwhile Governor Chris Christie announced that the President has extended disaster relief to 21 counties.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended disaster aid in the Garden State and announced a disaster declaration for parts of Pennsylvania.
In South Jersey, all but Burlington will get help not just for bridges and roads, but homes and small businesses as well.
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"Homeowners or even renters should contact their insurance company first…and FEMA will ask that question when you call," says Mary Goepfert with New Jersey's Emergency Management Office.
New Jersey will complete its' statewide damage assessment by Tuesday.
In addition, Five Pennsylvania counties, including Chester and Northampton, will get infrastructure assistance and more counties could be added over the next few days.
To find out if you can apply for federal aid, call 800-621-FEMA or 3362 or visit disasterassistance.gov.
Reported By Jericka Duncan, CBS 3; David Madden, KYW Newsradio
