Paul Feiner
REMINDER FEMA INFO --HOW YOU CAN GET FINANCIAL HELP
Residents who suffered property damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida may be eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA will be able to offer financial assistance to residents through ‘individual assistance’ programs. Please make sure you are carefully documenting all damage in writing and with photographs, receipts and other documentation. FEMA will set up Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where people can file claims for assistance in communities which are particularly damaged. The County is working with FEMA to organize DRCs throughout the county as well as mobile DRCs where residents can file online or remotely. Those eligible for assistance are impacted residents with eligible disaster related losses. - Damage must have occurred during the incident period of the declaration and be a direct result of the incident.
- Eligible losses include non-insured damage/loss to primary residence, damage/loss to eligible personal property.
For more information, and to view the FEMA individual assistance application and required application information please visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ If you need further information or assistance you may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. This number is also for users of 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS). TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585. Helpline services are available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET. Small businesses recovering from Ida damage may also qualify for disaster loan assistance from the Small Business Administration. For information please visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ or call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-877-8339) Residents who need housing assistance should reach out to the County Department of Social Services. If you have a housing emergency you may call 914-995-2099. More information about aid is also available from Governor Kathy Hochul's office. Please visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/governors-relief-and-response-resources to learn more. It is not necessary to meet with FEMA in person to start a claim. If you have suffered significant property damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, you can apply online for FEMA assistance here: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ FEMA Check-list This is what you need to know before applying for assistance, according to FEMA's application checklist: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/application-checklist Before you start your FEMA application, please have the information below and a pen and paper ready. Social Security Number
You, another adult member or minor child in your household must have a Social Security number. You or they must also be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. Insurance Information
You will need to describe the type or types of insurance coverage you have. This could include coverage under policies like homeowners, flood, automobile, or mobile home insurance. Damage Information
You must describe the damage caused by the disaster. It will be helpful to document the damage as much as possible with pictures, receipts and the like. You will be asked to include the type of disaster (like flood, hurricane, or earthquake) and the type of dwelling or vehicle (like a condo, mobile home or house, or a car or truck). Eligible losses include non-insured damage/loss to primary residence, damage/loss to eligible personal property. Financial Information
You will be asked to provide your total annual household income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster. Contact Information
You also will need to provide the address and phone number of the property where the damage occurred and the address and phone number where you can be reached now by FEMA.
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Post Ida Storm Clean Up Tips - Preventing & Cleaning Up Mold Tips from the CDC Prevent mold growth - Clean up and dry your home quickly after the storm or flood ends- within 24 to 48 hours if possible.
- Air out your house by opening doors and windows. Use fans to dry wet areas. Position fans to blow air out doors or windows.
- Throw away anything that you can’t clean or dry quickly (such as mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and paper products).
- Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
- Thoroughly clean all wet items and surfaces with hot water and laundry or dish detergent. For example, you’ll want to clean any flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures.
- Fix any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing as soon as you can.
Clean up mold with a mix of bleach and water - Never use bleach in a closed space. Open windows and doors first.
- Put on personal protective equipment to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Wear goggles, an N-95 respirator, and protective gloves.
- To make your cleaner, mix 1 cup of household bleach with 1 gallon of water.
- Clean everything with mold on it.
- See Mold After a Disaster, CDC Flood Web site, and Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters or more information on safely reentering flooded homes, cleaning up flood or storm water, worker safety issues, and mold cleanup issues.
More tips are available from on the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/cleanup/facts.html?fbclid=IwAR1mGLv9WlWIXDdClRVy2tcHmbeViy_Ueq8Ul58SsIGnUmN2QsHNWUeI2Bo |