NEW YORK CITY — Since Hurricane Sandy struck New York a week ago, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $156 million to help individuals and families recover from the disaster.

FEMA provides the following snapshot of the disaster recovery effort as of Nov. 6:

• More than 123,000 New Yorkers have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.
• 20 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) have been opened in the nine declared counties.
• 1,556 FEMA personnel deployed to New York in response to Hurricane Sandy.
• More than 800 Community Relations (CR) specialists are strategically positioned throughout affected communities, going door to door explaining the types of disaster assistance available and how to register. More teams continue to arrive daily.
• More than 1,000 inspectors in the field have completed more than 13,300 home inspections.
• New York’s major disaster declaration was amended so that the nine declared counties are approved for all categories of Public Assistance, which includes reimbursement for eligible costs of emergency response services, debris removal and repairs to public infrastructure. 

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov.  Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m.to 10 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.