Sandy survivors with home accessibility needs should contact FEMA

NEW YORK – Survivors with home accessibility needs because of Hurricane Sandy, especially older adults and people with disabilities, are encouraged to stay in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA may be able to assist if elevators or electricity are not working properly, even if the structure did not sustain damage.

Residents living in buildings with non-working elevators or inaccessible common areas may be eligible for temporary rental assistance or other disaster-related assistance from FEMA. Those experiencing accessibility issues while waiting for an insurance settlement also may be eligible for assistance.

Buildings with unsafe conditions such as electrical problems in common areas, non-working elevators and hard-to-access entrances may present difficulties to residents, especially those with disabilities or health concerns that make it difficult to use the stairs.

FEMA specialists are canvassing neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Sandy to ensure survivors with physical or mobility needs have equal access and receive equal benefits from FEMA programs. They will work on a case-by-case basis to assist survivors with access and functional needs to ensure they receive the assistance for which they are eligible.

While FEMA will continue outreach efforts, survivors are urged to call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. Call centers are available 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST, seven days a week.