Disaster Aid for New York Exceeds $1 Million
Release Date: April 30, 2007
Release Number: 1692-009
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Inland and Coastal Flooding
ALBANY, N. Y. -- Federal and state disaster assistance for individuals, families and businesses in Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties has exceeded $1 million, state and federal recovery officials said today. A total of 2,621 households and businesses have applied for assistance so far.
Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said housing grants already approved for more than 400 households in the three counties have reached $1.04 million. The grants are for essential emergency repairs that make a home livable and to cover the cost of alternate housing for homeowners or renters whose dwelling is unlivable because of the flooding, plus other serious unmet needs.
“In order to get the assistance they need, storm victims need to register by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362,” said John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office and state coordinating officer.
Anyone in those three counties with disaster-related losses should call FEMA’s toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily to begin the assistance process. Applicants also may register online at www.fema.gov.
Applicants can speed up the process of getting assistance by taking the following steps:
- When calling to register, be ready to give a street address with clear directions to the damaged property, any available insurance information and current phone numbers where you can be reached. The call will probably take 20-30 minutes and can be conducted in any language.
- Have pencil and paper ready to record important information given to you at the time of registration. A registration number will be given to you which serves as your case number. You should register if you had any disaster-related losses, whether as a renter, homeowner or business owner. Register because you may need help with unexpected expenses even if your property was insured.
- Only one person per household or business may register for assistance, and register only once. More than one registration for the same property will delay the process until the situation is clarified.
- Call your insurance agent to file any insurance claim. FEMA cannot duplicate what is covered by insurance. Having your insurance information available when you call FEMA will speed up the process of cross-checking that information.
- An inspector will contact you for an appointment to inspect your property. Make arrangements to meet the inspector and allow sufficient time to answer questions. Assistance may be delayed if you are not home or the inspector cannot reach you.
- Renters forced from their homes by disaster damage may apply for rental assistance to relocate temporarily while repairs are made to the rental unit. Reimbursement may be available for hotel bills if your home was uninhabitable.
- Document losses by saving receipts from bills you have paid to repair your property or replace essential possessions. Take photographs and videotape if possible, but do not delay repairs.
- To check the status of an application for assistance or amend an application contact FEMA at the number above.
If you have already applied for assistance and need information about disaster-related programs or the status of a filed application, you may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in one of the declared counties to talk with federal, state and county disaster experts face to face. The DRCs are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p. m. daily.
DRCs are open in the following locations:
- Town Center Senior Nutrition Community Center, 740 West Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck, 10543.
- New Rochelle Emergency Operations Center, 90 Beaufort Place in New Rochelle, 10801.
- Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place in Eastchester, 10709.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 01-May-2007 09:05:50