1. The OG Chamber of Commerce has had trouble getting enough houses for this year’s Holiday Festival House and Inn Tour, scheduled for December 8 & 9. On Monday, the Chamber informed its members via email that although nine houses had been scheduled, “four backed out for various reasons, so we are down to five, which is not enough to warrant a tour.” The Chamber’s administrator, Lois Hetfield, wrote in her email that if anyone would be “willing to put their house on tour, they would certainly save the event. I think it is important to get the word out that we are up and running, and that our business district is fully open. If we do not get at least one more home, we will have to cancel the tour this week, which is not the image we want to project.” Ed. note: This item has been updated, and the house tour is on after all. See our “OG Bulletin Board” for details.
2. FEMA reported on Monday that some 190,800 storm survivors in New Jersey have applied for federal disaster assistance, and more than $127 million in individual assistance has already been approved. FEMA officials have checked into several Ocean Grove hotels and are processing claims. We are starting to hear from Ocean Grovers who have had a quick, efficient response from FEMA. One woman applied for aid on Monday and received it on Friday. Individuals and business owners with losses from the hurricane can apply for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
3. As FEMA officials fan out seeking to help those in need, the government is warning people to watch out for “fraudsters” who often appear in the wake of disasters. They include phony housing inspectors, phony contractors and people making fake offers of state and federal aid. Look out for solicitors who promise to speed up the insurance, disaster aid or permit process and then ask for cash deposits or advance payments. Also beware of anyone who asks for bank account numbers (FEMA inspectors never require banking information), Social Security numbers or other sensitive information. Anyone representing FEMA or the SBA will have a laminated photo ID badge; ask to see it. Check with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (800-242-5846) to make sure a contractor is registered. Ask to see a contractor’s liability insurance and be sure it is valid. All contracts should be in writing and reviewed before signing.