January 2024 Storm Recovery

On Wednesday, March 20, President Biden granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Maine regarding the severe storms and flooding that occurred January 9-13, 2024 (two storms combined into one incident). Cumberland County was included in this declaration and will receive federal funding for both Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA).

Individual Assistance (IA): FEMA assists individuals and households through the coordination and delivery of Individual Assistance programs. Residents will be able to apply directly to FEMA for assistance. FEMA will also be establishing a hotline and setting up a physical presence in Cumberland County called a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where people can go to have their questions answered, get guidance on how to apply, etc. More information will be made available soon.

Note: Residents who previously reported damages are NOT automatically applied for aid. These residents now need to apply at the DRC or via the hotline. Those who reported damages will be notified of next steps.

SBA Loan Program: The Small Business Administration will also have a physical presence in Cumberland County to administer its low/no interest loan program. This is for businesses, nonprofits and individual homeowners. More details to come.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

There are several ways to apply:

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET.
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
Download the FEMA mobile app, available at Google Play or the Apple App Store.

When you apply for assistance, have the following information ready:

A current phone number where you can be contacted
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
Your Social Security number
A general list of damage and losses
Banking information if you choose direct deposit
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

If you have a homeowner’s or flood insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately, before applying for federal assistance. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance, or those who may be underinsured, may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Disaster assistance may provide temporary help and a place to stay while you build your recovery plan. Although the federal government cannot make you whole, it may be able to help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, accessible and secure.

For the latest information on Maine’s recovery from the severe storm and flooding from Jan. 9-13, 2024, visit Maine Flood Resources And Assistance Hub and fema.gov/disaster/4764. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at twitter.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.

FEMA speakers bureau at an April 18 session

Jan 26 2024

The significant storms on January 10 and 13 caused flood damage both to Town infrastructure and personal property. As residents affected by property damage plan for repairs, please note that all repairs and improvements require permitting. Properties within a dune system and/or floodplain have additional regulations which must be met to ensure compliance with Scarborough’s Floodplain Management Ordinance. Please refer to this guidance for details.

FEMA Storm Recovery

January 2024 Storm Recovery

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

FEMA Fact Sheets

Other Resources