Legal Advice Available for New Yorkers Affected by the June Flooding
Release Date: August 11, 2006
Release Number: 1650-046
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Federal and State officials announce that free legal advice and referrals are available for low-income individuals affected by the June flooding.
The American Bar Association's (ABA 's) Young Lawyers Division (YLD), which is made up of attorneys who volunteer their time and knowledge, can offer advice on issues involving landlord-tenant problems, disaster-related contract matters, insurance, replacement of legal documents, counseling on mortgage foreclosure, and a number of other concerns.
A caller's specific complaint, or need, will be forwarded to an attorney who is an expert in that branch of the law.
The group's toll-free telephone number is 866-468-7045 . Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If researching a legal problem is necessary, the YLD will research the issue and get back to the caller.
No member of the volunteer attorney group will accept fee-generating cases. Their services are authorized only to assist in resolving issues arising out of the disaster. Any fee-generating calls will be referred to a local or state attorney referral service.
For those who have not registered for disaster assistance, call both the FEMA registration line and the State line at:
FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY: 1-800-462-7585. Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. In addition, flood victims can register online at www.fema.gov.
STATE: 1-888-7-NYS-AID (1-888-769-7243) or (TTY) NYS Relay 711; or register online at www.labor.state.ny.us . The State lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Aug-2006 08:49:20