By Blogfinger Staff

In the midst of the cleanup from Hurricane Sandy, a top priority for those whose homes, apartments or businesses were damaged should be to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance.

Ocean Grove is included in the federal disaster declaration that makes residents and survivors eligible for assistance from damage that occurred beginning October 26.

Even if you’re not a resident of Ocean Grove or Monmouth County, but were visiting the county and may have property — a vehicle, perhaps — that sustained damage during the hurricane, you should apply for assistance.

It is important to remember that if you have insurance you must file a claim with your insurance company.

There are three ways to register with FEMA:

Online: www.disasterassistance.gov

Via smartphone: m.fema.gov

By phone: 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for those with hearing and speech difficulties.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.

For the types of assistance available for New Jersey residents: click here.