Heartbleed for Business Owners (non-techies)

As you may have heard a security error potentially allowed hackers to get passwords for a large number of emails and websites. You don’t need to change all your passwords but you definitely should change some.* In almost all cases banks, credit cards and shopping sites weren’t using the login software with the error. AABC credit card was.  

Change your Passwords

Please change your password(s) following accounts:  Continue reading

SBA Loans for Tenafly Businesses In Wake of Sandy

 There are SBA Loans available for Small businesses (and for property and possessions for homeowners), in addition to any federal disaster relief CDBG funding that will hopefully be obtained by the State of NJ and its affected counties.  Here is a full summary (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-11-01/the-sba-preps-for-a-flood-of-disaster-loans#r=sma-ls), or see the shorter version below.

 In brief:

The SBA is doing damage assessments with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and will be setting up disaster loan processing offices in the affected areas soon. (They are scouting locations now and typically set up in community centers, fire stations, and city halls.) Individuals who want to apply for loans for their business or residence can visit one of those centers, apply online, or call 800-659-2955. Loan applications can be submitted whether or not insurance claims have been filed or are anticipated.

 Business owners who need help preparing financial statements to accompany their SBA disaster business loan applications can get free assistance from local Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, or SCORE offices.

Tax Deadline Extensions For Tenafly in Wake of Hurricane Sandy

IRS Announces Relief for Non-Profits and Businesses Affected by Sandy
Various Filing, Reporting and Payment Deadlines Extended

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the extension of a variety of tax filing and payment deadlines for businesses and organizations affected by Hurricane Sandy.

IRS Press Release #IR-2012-83 says, in part:

“Following recent disaster declarations for individual assistance issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the IRS announced today that affected taxpayers in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York will receive tax relief. Other locations may be added in coming days based on additional damage assessments by FEMA.

“The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting in late October. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Feb. 1, 2013 to file these returns and pay any taxes due. This includes the fourth quarter individual estimated tax payment, normally due Jan. 15, 2013. It also includes payroll and excise tax returns and accompanying payments for the third and fourth quarters, normally due on Oct. 31, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013 respectively. It also applies to tax-exempt organizations required to file Form 990 series returns with an original or extended deadline falling during this period.

“The IRS will abate any interest, late-payment or late-filing penalty that would otherwise apply. The IRS automatically provides this relief to any taxpayer located in the disaster area. Taxpayers need not contact the IRS to get this relief.

“Beyond the relief provided by law to taxpayers in the FEMA-designated counties, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who resides outside the disaster area but whose books, records or tax professional are located in the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. All workers assisting the relief activities in the covered disaster areas who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization are eligible for relief. Taxpayers who live outside of the impacted area and think they may qualify for this relief need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227.”

For more information and links to other IRS guidance related to Superstorm Sandy, , see http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Provides-Tax-Relief-to-Victims-of-Hurricane-Sandy;-Return-Filing-and-Tax-Payment-Deadline-Extended-to-Feb.-1,-2013 .

 

Tenafly (Bergen County) Blue Laws Are Suspended

By order of Gov. Chris Christie — No Blue Laws in Bergen County until Further Notice

 

ALL BERGEN COUNTY

BUSINESS OWNERS …

Effective immediately

The restrictions on certain Sunday sales pursuant to NJSA 40A:64, et seq. are SUSPENDED. (Bergen County Blue Laws suspended – until further notice) Executive Order No. 109

by Governer Christie

 

Whereas, on November 3, 2012, the County of Bergen, through its County Executive, petitioned that the sale of certain goods on Sunday pursuant to NJSA 40A:64, et seq., and similar rules, regulations, ordinances, and resolutions, be temporarily suspended in Bergen County to accommodate the extraordinary needs caused by Hurrican Sandy; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the NJSA App. A:9-34 and -51, I reserved the right to utilized and employ all available resources of the State government to protect against the emergency created by Sandy; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with NJSA App. A:9-40, I declared that, due to the State of Emergency, no municipality, county, or any other agency or political subdivision of this State shall enact or enforce anyorder, rule,…………

Now, therefore, I,

Chris Christie, Governor

of the State of New Jersey,……..

1. The restrictions on certain Sunday sales pursuant to NJSA 40A:64, et seq., are suspended.

Message from Tenafly Mayor Rustin – Nov 1

11/1/2012 10:50:35 AM EST – Good morning, this is Mayor Peter Rustin speaking to Tenafly residents with an update on our recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. We are urging residents to stay in their homes unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. We still have many trees blocking roads; these trees have wires that are potentially live which precludes our workers from touching them. We are in the same position we were in last year in that we must wait for Public Service to certify the wires and trees are safe to remove. Our Police, Fire and Ambulance Corp have been working tirelessly to keep our town safe and our DPW has been clearing and cleaning roads wherever safety allows. We appreciate and applaud our resident’s patience in these trying matters.

Please listen carefully to the following information:

1) Garbage pickup is following normal schedules.
2) Recycling pickup is following normal schedules.
3) The recycling center is currently closed as it does not have power
4) Borough Hall does not yet have phone service but we do have internet. Communicate with Borough Hall by email
5) The Police Department can be reached by phone and 9-1-1 service is working. Please keep calls to a minimum whenever possible.
6) Tenafly Public Schools will remain closed today and tomorrow.
7) Residents can come down to the Police Station and charge electronic devices.
8) Residents and landscapers may bring storm debris to the curb; please do not block streets; if your street is narrow; please leave debris curbside but not in the street.
9) Most important, do not mix leaves with tree branches as it will not be picked up. Leaves must be piled up separately.
10) Plans for Election Day next Tuesday will allow all residents the opportunity to vote; residents will be directed where to vote by next Monday as it is possible some normal polling places will not be open.
11) Gasoline supplies are currently extremely slim. This is another reason why all unnecessary travel should be avoided. Gas stations either have no power or no gas or both. When that situation will change is unknown at this time.

Once again we urge all residents to stay home. Walking and jogging is not encouraged because trees and branches weakened by the storm are still falling and many trees and branches are being held up only by power lines. We assure you that we are channeling all of our manpower and resources into bringing Tenafly back to normal as quickly as possible and keeping all of our residents safe in the meantime. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Tenafly/Bergen County Emergency Response to Sandy for Businesses

Here is some short term guidance for addressing the situation at hand:

1) First and foremost, do what you can to fill out the FEMA claim forms ASAP, *We do not yet know the FEMA deadline, so the sooner the better.

Where you go for making claims:

http://www.disasterassistance.gov: This website consolidates the application process across several Federal agencies, including FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The website also reduces the number of forms your business and property owners will ultimately have to fill out, shortens the time it takes to apply, and allows you to check the progress of your applications online. If they want to apply by phone rather than the Internet, they can call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362). There is no question that the phone lines will be busy

Here is why making claims is crucial – Emergency Recovery funding from CDBG will be based on the total number of claims –

· It is that likely claims for businesses will be individually denied, but the claims submissions increase the state’s emergency allocations, AND the number of claims (residential, personal and business) from each county determine the specific county allocations for CDBG.

· the more claims sent in (regardless of if they were denied) the more $$$ your county and the state as a whole will receive.

· 80% of the CDBG ($) allocation (based on those claims) will be divided to NJ’s affected counties pro-rated by the number of claims. 20% of the State’s allocation can be directed throughout NJ based on impact.

So go door to door in the district – bring copies of forms if you can, promote it on facebook, twitter, etc. – encourage everyone in town that was affected to put in a claim! More claims submitted = more disaster $$$ for your community, period.

2) What You Can Do Now:

If your property has been damaged, take immediate corrective action – – if your roof is leaking, put a roof on your building; if your carpets are wet, get them dried. If your collections or museum facility has been damaged, put your Emergency Plan in Place NOW.

FEMA recommends that you:

• Take lots of photos and document the damage

• Keep all receipts

• Document all volunteers who are helping out (you can use this for your cost share) – – Use a “Sign-in” book, with their name, time in, time out

· Document the damage to each property (see attached spreadsheet)

• Take action NOW to protect your property

NOTE: You may or may not be eligible for FEMA or other federal assistance but in case you are, the above information will be critical.

As the Floodwaters Recede — A Checklist of Things to Do: (Courtesy Preservation Trust of Vermont, at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs041/1102172352505/archive/1107373832970.html) Adapted from: INFORMATION, National Trust for Historic Preservation Booklet No. 82, 1993, Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings, and provided courtesy of the New Bern Historic Preservation Commission.

The following checklist will help you respond to flood damage in historic and older buildings. Read the steps through carefully and take time to plan. While it is tempting to wade right in with a shovel and mop, it is very important to develop a plan for cleanup and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, overly zealous cleanup efforts can result in historic materials being carted away, excessively rough cleaning methods, and the unnecessary loss of historic fabric. The best way to prevent additional damage to historic structures and materials during a time of duress is to use caution and plan ahead.

• Follow all emergency rules, laws, and regulations

• Turn off all utilities

• Document building damage

• Wear protective clothing

• Stabilize any unstable structures with temporary bracing

• Use caution when pumping basement water

• Keep building properly ventilated

• Clean everything that got wet with a disinfectant

• Allow saturated materials to dry using natural ventilation

• Check for foundation damage

• Replace soil around foundation

• Save historic materials if possible

• Use caution when removing lead-based paint or any products containing asbestos

• Clean and repair roof and roof drainage systems to protect building from future damage

Here are links to National MS/Preservation resources/guidance:

• http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/technical-assistance/disaster-recovery/

• http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/technical-assistance/disaster-recovery/financial-resources.html