N.H., Maine look for disaster relief aid in wake of storm

New Hampshire Gov. Sununu said on Friday emergency threshold declaration has been met. (Courtesy photo)

Maine and New Hampshire are both moving forward to declare last Monday's storm a disaster hoping to free up some federal disaster aid relief.

Gov. Chris Sununu announced on Friday that he believes the state has reached the threshold of damage from Monday's storm to apply for federal disaster relief.

Meanwhile, state Homeland Security and Emergency Management teams continues to assist state and local partners as they assess damage caused by the storm's hurricane force winds and rain that caused flooding and significant damage to roads and bridges, and also left some 450,000 people without power.

"Initial assessments indicate that New Hampshire has hit the necessary threshold to seek a federal disaster declaration from The President," said Sununu. "I have requested assessment teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to work with HSEM, and state and local partners to verify damage assessments, and expect them to be in New Hampshire as early as next week."

"Although the entire state was impacted, the northern half of the state was hit particularly hard by this storm," HSEM Director Perry Plummer said. "We currently have in excess of $8 million in estimated damages and fully expect to meet the disaster thresholds necessary for the Governor to seek a federal disaster declaration."

If the request is granted, government organizations and certain private nonprofits that provide a critical service may be eligible to apply for Public Assistance. Other entities are not eligible to apply.

Emergency Management Officials have said travelers should heed all road signs and not drive on damaged or closed roads, and provided additional details:

• No significant injuries or deaths have been reported.
• Damage occurred across the state with the most severe damage occurring in Belknap, Carroll, Coos, and Grafton counties.
• Homeowners and local businesses should call 2-1-1 to report storm damage as the State assesses what volunteer services are available to assist with clean up and recovery.

In Maine, officials continue to try to assess the damage to personal homes.

Federal assistance could help residents of both states pay expenses not covered by their insurance policies.

Officials encourage affected residents and business owners to take photos of storm damage, including spoiled food, and keep receipts for any work done for repairs.