Looking Back… and Planning Ahead

As Tuesday's deadline to request reviews of Sandy flood insurance claims approaches, time isn't the only thing that's running out.

Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group (OCLTRG) Director Sue Marticek says non-profit organizations like hers have been instrumental in the recovery so far, but now, they're facing a new challenge.

"At this point in the disaster, three years later, funds are drying up everywhere," Marticek said. "We see this [claim review] as the last, best opportunity for homeowners to get additional funding which is rightfully owed them."

Marticek says the OCLTRG is already looking for ways to replace funding that is set to expire in December because there is so much work still left to be done. She says last month's anniversary of Hurricane Katrina was a stark reminder of how long the recovery process can take - and of how many problems can crop up.

"It was something to read those articles about the 10-year anniversary of Katrina," Marticek said. "Because, unfortunately, some of the mistakes that have been lessons learned in Katrina, we can see we are doing right now."

Marticek says one of the biggest problems arises as people are forced to spend insurance payouts to cover everyday living expenses, although contractor fraud is also a major issue for many of her clients.

The deadline to request a review of your Sandy-related National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim from FEMA is TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2015. You must opt-in by calling FEMA at 866-337-4262 or online by clicking here.