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Vol. LXV, No. 36
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Wednesday, September 7, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 36
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Wednesday, September 7, 2011
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that all 21 New Jersey counties are eligible for federal disaster assistance to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Irene. This is an expansion of an earlier approval of disaster aid that applied only to certain counties within the state. Mercer had not been among the original counties that were declared eligible.
“I am grateful for the president’s quick action to allow disaster relief funds to begin flowing to New Jersey,” said Congressman Rush Holt (D-12). “Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans continue to deal with the painful aftermath of Hurricane Irene, and the president’s declaration will help us to take a significant step down the road to recovery.”
Mr. Holt had written to the president last week to request that the earlier disaster declaration be expanded to include additional counties.
Mercer County residents can register with FEMA by calling (800) 621-3362 or by going online at www.disasterassistance.gov, using disaster reference number DR-4021. Registrants do not have to wait for a disaster recovery center to open.
At the local level, the Princeton Regional Health Department is offering timely, online information for area residents still coping with the effects of Hurricane Irene. From its website at www.princetonhealthoffice.org, anyone with questions about post-hurricane safety can select “Health Department Notices/Alerts” to find links to instructions and resources for dealing with mold in flooded basements; post-flood well water; post-flood septic systems; and potential food and waterborne diseases after a hurricane. The site notes that there have been no advisories issued for Princeton Borough or Princeton Township to boil water at this time.
For those homeowners eager to get rid of downed branches, the Township’s Department of Public Works has announced that it will be performing brush collection “as per the regular posted schedule,” which can be viewed at www.princetontwp.org/brushlog.html. Limbs no longer than three feet in length and six inches in diameter may be placed outside immediately, although the department asks for residents’ “patience at this time,” as they “anticipate large amounts of debris and will make every attempt to have the material picked up in a timely manner.” To reach the Township Department of Public Works by phone, call (609) 688-2566.
Borough residents with storm sewer drainage problems; street sweeper requests; requests for post-storm tree limb removal; and advice on how to handle dead or intrusive tree limbs may call the Borough Department of Public Works at (609) 497-7657.
With area blood area supplies running low as a result of missed collection days due to the hurricane, the Township’s Community Blood Drive on Wednesday, September 7, from 3 to 7 p.m. is a timely one. The bloodmobile will be stationed in the Valley Road parking lot near the Princeton Police entrance at One Valley Road (the Route 206 side of the Municipal building). Those planning to donate are asked to bring a photo or signature I.D., and to eat within four hours of donating. Every donor will receive a free T-shirt.