More Help Announced For Ice Storm Victims 

Individual And Households Program Funds Now Available In Eight Counties

Release Date: June 18, 2003
Release Number: 1467-14

» More Information on New York Ice Storm

Syracuse, NY -- Federal and state officials today announced that ice storm victims in eight central and western New York counties can now be reimbursed for medical and dental procedures, funeral costs, loss of personal property, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses related to the April 3-5 disaster.

At the request of Governor George E. Pataki, President Bush declared a major disaster in 15 counties in the wake of the storm. Eight of the counties - Cayuga, Monroe, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Oswego, Seneca and Wayne - were designated eligible for the Individual and Households Program/ Other Needs Assistance (IHP/ONA).

IHP/ONA, administered by the New York State Labor Department in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides financial help to individuals who, as a direct result of the ice storm, have serious and necessary needs and are unable to meet such expenses through other means.

Victims can apply for IHP/ONA assistance under the following categories: Medical, Dental and Funeral expenses - and/or - Personal Property, Transportation, and Miscellaneous disaster-related items; by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

"In some cases, the ice storm caused damages far beyond an individual's ability to deal with," said Marianne C. Jackson, federal coordinating officer of FEMA's recovery operation. "This important program will be an enormous help to them and they should apply now."

State Labor Commissioner Linda Angello, said, "Governor Pataki acted quickly to make sure that New York State received much-needed federal aid in the aftermath of April's ice storm. The State Labor Department stands ready to assist residents adversely affected by this natural disaster. We encourage all those in need of assistance to apply and make full use of the services we have to offer."

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Jun-2003 11:28:06