New Haven County added to major disaster declaration for aftermath of Ida

Gov. Ned Lamont has announced President Joe Biden approved his application to add New Haven County to the major disaster declaration for the aftermath of Ida.
FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center in Darien opened Thursday. Residents in Fairfield, New London and now New Haven counties can apply for benefits, file appeals and even apply for Small Business Administration recovery loans with plenty of accessibility options.
If you suffered damage from Ida, the deadline to apply for relief is Dec. 29.
Officials say it's important to talk to your insurance company first as federal aid doesn't cover everything.
"We are an immediate needs agency. We don't bring people back to what they used to be. So, when you think immediate needs, what did you need at that time, that affected your property at that time, to get you back into a safe sanitary and habitable home at that time? Again, we don't bring you back to whole, so that's why it's important to call your insurance first, and then whatever gap is missing there FEMA will look into it," said Alberto Pillot.
President Biden approved FEMA aid for individuals in Fairfield and New London counties in October.
Much of the damage homeowners suffered after Ida came from feet of water flooding into basements.
Officials say the process on site will be simpler if you register by phone first with FEMA. You can call 1-800-621-3362 or click here.