FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has launched a Disaster Financial Assistance program to help individuals, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities that suffered property damage following hurricane Fiona on Sept. 23-24.

Significant damage was reported in various communities in the province. Wind gusts in excess of 100 km/h were recorded in several areas. Storm surge along the eastern coast damaged homes, roads and bridges.

The Disaster Financial Assistance program provides assistance for eligible damage and losses that threaten the health and safety of individuals, municipalities and small businesses.

The program is not a replacement for insurance. It will assist in covering only the basic costs of essential items. Camps, cottages, boats, automobiles and trailers are not eligible for disaster financial assistance. Residents should contact their insurance provider for details about their coverage.

“We are prepared to help impacted New Brunswickers get back on their feet,” said Public Safety Minister Bill Hogan. “I thank emergency responders, NB Power crews, New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization staff, and all those who have worked tirelessly over the past several days to restore services to New Brunswickers.”

About 12,000 NB Power customers remain without power. Progress is also being made on reopening infrastructure. At the peak, there were about 17 bridges and roads closed. As of 5 p.m. Sunday only three roads remain closed. Assessments will continue over the coming days.

“I know our neighbours in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have suffered massive damage,” said Hogan. “New Brunswick is here to help support them in anyway we can.”

“Recovering from a storm like this will not be quick, but patience and thoughtfulness will go a long way to making it easier,” said Lisa Munn, acting director of the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization. “The situation will improve if we all do our part to make it happen: stay out of the way of emergency responders and recovery workers, check on your neighbours and lend a hand where you can.”

New Brunswickers are reminded that fall is the most active part of hurricane season. Residents must continue to be prepared for storms.

How to apply

Residents affected by property damage related to hurricane Fiona on Sept. 23 or 24 can report it by calling 1-888-298-8555 or by registering online.

Reporting damage to the government as soon as possible is an important part of the provincial damage assessment and recovery process.

The Service New Brunswick TeleServices line is available to receive calls between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Damage Report Line program allows residents, tenants, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to receive information and register their hurricane-related damage with a single phone call.

Damage assessments will be reviewed, and health and safety inspection teams may be dispatched if required.

Residents are reminded to:

• Contact their insurance companies immediately to report damage.

• Take photos of damage to their homes or properties.

• Keep receipts of any repairs and replacement purchases.

• Log the number of hours of work undertaken for residents who are cleaning their own properties, or family members or those who have assisted in the cleanup of their property.

Once they register, a Disaster Financial Assistance package will be mailed to them. Application packages are available online, but residents must still register.

The deadline for homeowners, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to submit an application is Jan. 31, 2023. They can call 1-888-553-8558 if they have questions.

In case of issues with the insurer, residents may call the Office of the Consumer Advocate for Insurance at 1-888-283-5111.

As with any Disaster Financial Assistance program, the provincial government will request a cost-share program with the federal government. The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangement is a cost-shared agreement among the federal, provincial and territorial governments to help cover response and recovery expenses following a disaster. The federal government will then reimburse eligible expenditures.