Changes Announced for Brooklyn Disaster Recovery Center

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors have until 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, to visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Brooklyn. 

The DRC is at the Ikea store, 1 Beard St., Brooklyn, NY 11231. It opened on Nov. 7, and has provided information and assistance to more than 980 storm survivors. 
 
The State of New York and the Federal Emergency Management Agency closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York Disaster Recovery Centers. When traffic slows at a certain time, a center may change its hours or come under consideration for possible closure.   

In addition to the Brooklyn site, those affected by Hurricane Sandy can visit any of about 30 other DRCs throughout New York. DRCs are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get help as quickly as possible.

To find the center nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Individuals can register for help online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property loss and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.