New Jersey flood victims seek aid to help with recovery efforts

<p>The cost of damage from flooding around the state this weekend is estimated to be in the millions.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 15, 2018, 9:37 PM

Updated 2,092 days ago

Share:

The cost of damage from flooding around the state this weekend is estimated to be in the millions.
Parts of Passaic County were the worst hit when heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow. 
Woodland Park resident Tracy Papienuk says that she brought her Lackawanna Avenue home 17 years ago. She says that it has flooded before, but never this badly or this costly.
“I really don't know how much loss and with insurance, if they’ll even pay us back everything that we lost. It's emotional stress,” she says.
Woodland Park officials say that many residents are fearful that their flood insurance won’t cover the cost of all of the damage. But Mayor Keith Kazmark says that the town is seeking help.
"If there are gaps in coverage, where FEMA can come in and be helpful to those people, that's something we are looking at achieving,” he says.
Kazmark says that Woodland Park and other Passaic County municipalities have already taken steps toward getting FEMA assistance for residents. Nearby Little Falls resident Kushal Shah says that that aid would be helpful.
"Without that we'll be sleeping on the floors - we have no mattress, no refrigerator, dishwasher, laundry, no dryer,” he says.
The town declared a local state of emergency. Gov. Phil Murphy also declared one at the state level after touring the flood-damaged areas. Both declarations helped fund the initial emergency response. Officials say that it is a step toward a federal declaration, which could bring FEMA funding.
"What that now allows us to do is to start to assess the damage, and put a value to that damage and if it meets certain thresholds then we may be eligible for state and even federal aid,” Kazmark says.
Officials advise any resident hoping to get aid to document all that they have lost. They should keep track of items destroyed and how much they cost.
The American Red Cross has been out in the flooded areas of the state providing immediate assistance to those who were affected. Volunteers were handing out cleaning kits, water and snacks.


More from News 12
1:41
STORM WATCH: Risk of coastal flooding; rain and thunderstorms hit Wednesday morning

STORM WATCH: Risk of coastal flooding; rain and thunderstorms hit Wednesday morning

1:58
Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

2:20
Connecticut's workforce celebrates new legislation guaranteeing paid sick time

Connecticut's workforce celebrates new legislation guaranteeing paid sick time

0:32
Police: Man wanted for Torrington bank robbery

Police: Man wanted for Torrington bank robbery

2:23
Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

2:21
Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

0:53
Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

0:30
Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

0:41
US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

0:42
AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

0:32
'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

0:30
CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

CT lawmakers vote to extend sick days to nearly all workers; bill heads to governor's desk

1:43
Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Made in Connecticut: Fresh squeezed juice from Ripe Juice Bar

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Discounts and perks teachers can use all year

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

Guide: Deals and freebies for health care workers

1:43
Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Saravanaa Bhavan a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian cuisine opens in Stamford

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

Former Bridgeport official pleads guilty to charges related to primaries and election in 2017, 2018

2:11
Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

1:48
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity