Long-Term Help Available For Montgomery County Flood Victims
Release Date: December 6, 2006
Release Number: 1650-119
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is supporting a Montgomery County flood recovery committee that has been formed in response to the severe storms and flooding in late June.
Local flood recovery committees are composed of voluntary agencies, faith- and community-based organizations, local governments and other community leaders. Committees work to meet long-term needs unmet after individuals have received all eligible federal and state disaster assistance.
“These groups have come together to help those affected by the flood with a wide range of assistance. We are grateful to FEMA for helping to coordinate this effort,” said Nancy Pullen, chair of the Montgomery/Fulton Faith and Community Response Team.
"Working with FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons and county long term recovery agencies has been one of the highlights of my professional career with The Salvation Army", says Tom Schmitz, NY State VOAD member. "It is a privilege and pleasure to see how effectively this disaster-focused community networking and cooperation works."
The Montgomery/Fulton Faith and Community Response Team works through the Fulmont Community Action Agency. It serves as the primary information and referral agency for people impacted by the late June flooding in Montgomery County. Individuals can call the Fulmont Community Action Agency at 518-853-8394 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Callers will be referred to local organizations and volunteers that may help them.
Disaster recovery committees evaluate community needs and priorities. They connect residents with the resources initially to help clean out homes, and later to repair and rebuild damaged homes. FEMA continues to work in partnership with the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission's Human Services Committee, which is comprised of more than a dozen State agencies and voluntary organizations, to provide assistance to those impacted by disaster.
FEMA employs a voluntary agency liaison to work with local, state and national organizations to form local flood recovery committees. Rebecca Buzon, FEMA voluntary agency liaison, has been working to coordinate FEMA efforts with the New York State and local task forces.
“As always, the local volunteers and community organizations are doing tremendous work to help their neighbors recover from the late June flooding,” Buzon said. “My job is to help the local recovery efforts by coordinating with the state, regional and national voluntary organizations that may be able to provide additional aid.”
The Montgomery County flood recovery committee also seeks volunteers who can donate time, money, services, materials or other types of aid to help those affected by the flooding. People willing to help can contact Liz Custer, Montgomery County Volunteer Flood Relief Committee member at 518-568-5988 for further information.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 07-Dec-2006 08:11:52