Disaster Aid For Tropical Depression Ivan In New York Totals More Than $800,000
Release Date: October 22, 2004
Release Number: 1565-016
» More Information on New York Tropical Depression Ivan
ALBANY, New York - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) continue to help New Yorkers recover from Tropical Depression Ivan. Disaster assistance totaling more than $800,000 has been distributed to residents in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.
Inspections have been completed on 96 percent of all reported eligible damages and losses. To date, more than 1,000 residents have applied for assistance.
Individuals who have not yet applied for disaster assistance can begin the disaster application process by calling the toll-free registration number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Individuals with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency's Web site at www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available.
Voluntary agencies and organizations continue to work together to identify unmet needs and structure a long-term recovery process. The American Red Cross has provided more than 1,700 meal and snacks to those affected by Tropical Depression Ivan. The Salvation Army has served more than 900 meals and supplied food buckets and clean-up kits to residents in need of assistance.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued more than 800 applications to homeowners, renters and businesses for low-interest disaster loans. Residents are asked to fill out the SBA loan application as soon as they receive it and return it. Filling out the application does not obligate the applicant to accept a loan. Those who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be referred to other available disaster aid programs. The SBA is the federal government's primary resource for long-term disaster recovery financing.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from the New York State Department of Labor is available to those who are self-employed or who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits and are unemployed, as a direct result of Tropical Depression Ivan. Residents who have questions about DUA may call 1-866-642-7227. They can also visit the New York State Department of Labor's Web site at www.labor.state.ny.us and follow the instructions for filing a new claim.
Disaster Recovery Centers serving Sullivan and Delaware counties will close at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24.
After Sunday, those who want to check on the status of their application, change application information or get further disaster assistance information can call FEMA's toll-free Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (choose option two). The Helpline is open from 6 a.m. to midnight (EST), seven days a week.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Friday, 22-Oct-2004 15:26:22