Help available for residents impacted by Hurricane Ida

NORRISTOWN » Following FEMA’s announcement of a Major Disaster Declaration for the remnants of Hurricane Ida, the Montgomery County commissioners released the following statements:

“After seeing the devastation across Montgomery County and how this storm ravaged our communities, we acted immediately to make sure our residents could get the financial help and assistance they need to rebuild,” said commissioners’ Chairwoman Valerie A. Arkoosh. “I thank President Biden for his approval of a Major Disaster Declaration which will allow us to build back better and stronger. I would like to thank Governor Wolf, Senator Casey, and Congresswoman Dean for their crucial help and support. We look forward to working with FEMA and our members of Congress to ensure Montgomery County residents get the relief they need from the devastating impacts of Ida.”

“We know many of our residents are facing a long road ahead as they recover from the impacts of Ida,” said commissioners’ Vice Chairman Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. “We thank the Biden Administration and FEMA for their approval of the

Major Disaster Declaration for Montgomery County, and are grateful to PEMA, our Department of Public Safety, and our municipal officials for compiling all of the damage information

necessary to obtain this declaration. Montco residents can now visit FEMA’s website www.disasterassistance.gov and begin the application process. The declaration allows residents in Montgomery County and any other approved county to register for direct assistance for Ida-related recovery, an essential step in getting

our hardest hit communities back to a sense of normalcy.”

The major disaster declaration through FEMA will provide federal funding and services to eligible individuals and households through the Individual Assistance program and impacted communities through the Hazard

Mitigation Grant Program.

Individuals in Montgomery County can apply with FEMA the following ways:

Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the application phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) or Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery

Center.

Montgomery County will announce the location of a Disaster Recovery Center in the coming days. At the DRC residents can apply for aid in person, visit for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or ask questions related to their case.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORRISTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT Norristown Fire Department sent out rescue boats last week for rescue efforts.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORRISTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT The area of Washington Street is completely submerged