WARWICK, R.I. – To receive federal disaster assistance, Rhode Islanders who experienced losses because of Hurricane Sandy and called the state’s 2-1-1 line must also register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The same applies to those who filed a flood insurance claim. They must register with FEMA to obtain assistance with essential needs not covered by insurance. Registering with 2-1-1 or filing a flood insurance claim does NOT register you with FEMA.

“Some Rhode Islanders mistakenly believe they registered for help from FEMA when they called 2-1-1 or their insurance company,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Nick Russo, who leads FEMA’s mission in Rhode Island. “We want to make sure everyone knows they have to contact FEMA directly to become eligible for federal assistance.”

To register with FEMA, go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or to m.fema.gov if using a smartphone or call FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362).  Multilingual registration assistance is available. People with a speech disability or hearing loss who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585 directly; or 800-621-3362 if using 711 or Video Relay Service. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until further notice.

Individual assistance to homeowners and renters includes grants to cover expenses for temporary housing, home repair, and other serious disaster-related needs and expenses, such as replacement of personal property and medical, dental or transportation costs that are not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Excerpt from: 

Calling 2-1-1 or Filing an Insurance Claim Does Not Register You with FEMA

NEW YORK – Hurricane Sandy survivors in Staten Island, NY have until 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, to visit the disaster recovery center in Midland Park.

The state and FEMA closely monitor visitor traffic at all New York disaster recovery centers. Traffic to this Staten Island center has significantly decreased, indicating the information needs of survivors in the area have been met. 

People who need face-to-face help at that center should visit the center Monday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the corner of Father Capodanno Blvd. and Hunter Ave.

Survivors can visit any of the four disaster recovery centers that remain open in Staten Island or one of the 30 other centers located throughout New York.

In addition, more than 1,000 FEMA community relations personnel continue blanketing damaged neighborhoods, going door-to-door delivering information vital to recovery and encouraging residents with property damage to register for assistance. They can help refer survivors to the proper resources for any unmet disaster needs, but they do not assess or document damage. FEMA inspectors will contact survivors directly after they have registered.

Help is always available by calling FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice and assistance is available in most languages.

Survivors who have a speech disability or hearing impairment can call TTY 800-462-7585.
People who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. Individuals may also register online at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Almost 116,000 New Yorkers have already applied online.

To find the disaster recovery 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.

Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get help as quickly as possible. More centers will become available as sites are identified and approved. Conditions at individual locations may vary and affect opening times.

See the article here:  

Last Chance to Visit FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Midland Park

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that, despite the Thanksgiving holiday, numerous Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

DRCs are one-stop shops where storm survivors can meet with representatives from the state, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies to get the useful information and help they need.

The following DRC locations are scheduled to be open until noon today and will resume regular hours on Friday:

Nassau Community College
Student Union Building
1 Education Drive
Garden City, NY 11530
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

Fort Tilden Park
Building 415
1-199 Rockaway Point Boulevard
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Waldbaum’s parking lot
112-15 Beach Channel Road
Far Rockaway, NY 11694
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Regular hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Recreation Center and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Boulevard
Long Beach, NY 11561
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Sacred Heart Parish (Tent)
127 Long Beach Road
Island Park, NY 11558
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

Corner of Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Town Hall West
401 Main Street
Islip, NY 11757
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

Mount Loretto CYO
6581 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY10309
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Riverhead County Center
300 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Avenue
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Coffey Park
85 Richards Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Gerritsen Little League Field
2901 Gerritsen Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Mastic Recreation Center
15 Herkimer Street
Mastic, NY 11950
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

New Cassel Community Center Garden
141 Garden Street
Westbury, NY 11590
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Boulevard
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Storefront
1001 Beach 20th Street
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10306
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Road East
Seaford, NY 11783
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

Nickerson Beach
880 Lido Boulevard
Lido Beach, NY 11561
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 26
9 a.m. to noon today

Marjorie Post Community Center
477 Unqua Road
Massapequa, NY  11758
Regular hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
9 a.m. to noon today

St. Francis de Chantal
2962 Harding Avenue
Bronx, NY 10465
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Fri beginning Nov. 26
8 a.m. to noon today

Arverne by the Sea
68-20 Rockaway Beach Boulevard
Queens, NY 11692
Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Jewish Community Center
YMCA
3300 Coney Island Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Regular hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sun
8 a.m. to noon today

Six other centers are not staffed today, but five of them will reopen Friday. These centers are closed because the facilities in which they operate are closed or unavailable for use on Thanksgiving Day. Those that will resume operations on Friday are located at:

Mount Manresa Jesuit House
239 Fingerboard Road
Staten Island, NY 10305
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Ikea
1 Beard Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

12th Judicial District
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 23

Fire Training Center
9 Training Center Lane
New Hampton, NY 10958
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri

A sixth center will resume normal business hours on Saturday. It is located at:

Provident Bank Park
1 Provident Bank Park Drive
Pomona, NY 10970
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun except today and Friday

To find the Disaster Recovery 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 do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA. Here are some alternatives: They may apply for FEMA assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the toll-free registration number at 800-621-FEMA (3362).

If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Individuals may also register online at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Continue reading: 

Disaster Recovery Centers in New York State Open Until Noon Today

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has 30 Disaster Recovery Centers in New York to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

In addition, more than 1,200 FEMA community relations personnel are blanketing damaged neighborhoods, going door-to-door delivering information vital to recovery and encouraging residents with damaged property to register for assistance. They can help refer survivors to the proper resources for any unmet disaster needs, but they do not assess or document damage. FEMA inspectors will contact survivors directly after they have registered.

Individuals do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register with FEMA. Here are some alternatives: They may apply for FEMA assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  Individuals may also register online at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone at m.fema.gov.  

To find the Disaster Recovery 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.

Recovery centers are one-stop shops for eligible storm survivors to get help as quickly as possible. More centers will open as sites are identified and approved.  Note that conditions at
individual locations may vary and affect opening times.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now open at:

Nassau Community College
1 Education Drive 
Garden City, NY 11530
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Sun

Recreation Center and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Boulevard
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Sun

Sacred Heart Parish (tent)
127 Long Beach Road
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Corner of Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Duane Reade (Waldbaums Supermarket parking lot)
115-12 Beach Channel Drive
Far Rockaway, NY 11694
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Town Hall West
401 Main Street
Islip, NY 11757
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Ikea
1 Beard Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 9:30 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Avenue
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun
 
Mount Loretto CYO
6581 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10309
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Mount Manresa Jesuit House
239 Fingerboard Road
Staten Island, NY 10305
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Riverhead County Center
300 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Fort Tilden Park
1-199 Rockaway Point Boulevard
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Hours: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Mastic Recreation Community Center
15 Herkimer Street
Mastic, NY 11950
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Coffey Park
85 Richards Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

New Cassel Community Center Garden
141 Garden Street
Westbury, NY 11590
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Boulevard
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Provident Bank Park
1 Provident Bank Park Drive
Pomona, NY 10970
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Gerritsen Little League Field
2671 Gerritsen Avenue
Gerritsen Beach, NY
Hours:  8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

12th Judicial District
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Fri

Social Security Building
Gravesend
10 Bouck Court
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Storefront
1001 Beach 20th Street
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Kia in Staten Island
1976 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Mitchell Field Athletic Center
1 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Sun
 
Cedar Creek Park
Merrick Road East
Seaford, NY 11783
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Nov. 19

See original:  

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in New York

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that two new Disaster Recovery Centers are opening to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy. Note that conditions at individual sites may vary and affect opening times. The new locations are:

Borough Hall
10 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Huntington Town Hall
100 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

More than 1,000 FEMA community relations personnel are blanketing damaged neighborhoods, going door-to-door delivering information vital to recovery and encouraging residents with damaged property to register for assistance. They can help refer survivors to the proper resources for any unmet disaster needs, but they do not assess or document damage. FEMA inspectors will contact survivors directly after they have registered.

Individuals do not have to go to a DRC to register with FEMA. Here are some alternatives:

They may apply for FEMA assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 1-800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  They may also register online at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov.  

To find the DRC 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.

Disaster Recovery Centers will be open throughout the weekend and on the Veterans Day holiday, Monday, Nov. 12.

In addition to the new locations, recovery centers where storm survivors can get help are located at:

Nassau Community College
1 Education Drive 
Garden City, NY 11530
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Miller Field
600 New Dorp Lane
Staten Island, NY 10306
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Recreation Center and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Boulevard
Long Beach, NY 11561
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon-Sun

Sacred Heart Parish (tent)
127 Long Beach Road
Island Park, NY 11558
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

H. Lee Dennison Building
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Corner of Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10305
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Duane Reade (Waulbaugh Supermarket parking lot)
115-12 Beach Channel Drive
Far Rockaway, NY 11694
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

County Courthouse
401 Main Street
Islip, NY 11757
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Our Lady of Solace Gymnasium
2866 W. 17th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Ikea
1 Beard Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 9:30 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Holy Family R.C. Church
9719 Flatlands Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Community Church of the Nazarene
1414 Central Avenue
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri-Mon
 
Mount Loretto CYO
6581 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10309
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Mount Manresa Jesuit House
239 Fingerboard Road
Staten Island, NY 10305
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Riverhead County Center
300 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Station
1 Adee Drive
Bronx, NY 10465
Hours: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Fort Tilden Park
1-199 Rockaway Point Boulevard, Building 415
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Hours: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Mastic Recreation Community Center
15 Herkimer Street
Mastic, NY 11950
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Lindenhurst Library
1 Lee Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Coffey Park
85 Richards Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

New Cassel Community Center Garden
141 Garden Street
Westbury, NY 11590
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

American Legion
209 Cross Bay Boulevard
Broad Channel, NY 11693
Hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon-Sun

Provident Bank Park
1 Provident Bank Park Drive
Pomona, NY 10970
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sun

Link: 

Additional Disaster Recovery Center Open

More than $120 million in Individual Assistance Approved for Disaster Survivors

WASHINGTON – At the direction of President Obama, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to lead the federal government’s effort to provide assistance and support to states affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, ensuring the federal family and its public and private partners continue to provide all available resources to support state, local, territorial and tribal communities in affected areas.  This morning, the President convened a briefing at that National Response Coordination Center at FEMA headquarters to receive the latest update on federal efforts to support state and local response and recovery activities. At FEMA, the President was joined by cabinet members and other senior officials from his team. During the briefing the President heard directly from Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as borough presidents and mayors from across the affected area, who joined by phone.

Today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano traveled to West Virginia and Long Island, New York to meet with state and local officials and discuss ongoing response and recovery efforts to Hurricane Sandy.  Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan joined officials from FEMA, the Department of Transportation and the Army Corps of Engineers in Hoboken, Newark, and Jersey City, N.J., as well as Staten Island, N.Y. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan visited public housing developments in the Rockaways and toured Breezy Point, N.Y. Secretary Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited hospital workers, residents impacted by the storm, and local officials in the Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs of New York City. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills joined Governor Dannel Malloy and other state and local officials, and small business owners in Norwalk and Bridgeport, Conn.

As of 3:00 p.m. today, more than 139,000 individuals in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey have registered for assistance, and more than $120 million has been approved in FEMA Assistance.  Disaster Recovery Centers continue to open in the hardest hit areas. Seven Disaster Recovery Centers are open in New York, two in New Jersey and three in Connecticut, and more continue to open. Additional disaster recovery centers are being planned. Specialists from the state, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. To find a disaster recovery center location, check out the disaster recovery center locator at FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by mobile phone at m.fema.gov.   The first step to receiving assistance is by registering with FEMA. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.  Those in affected areas with access to the internet may register by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or online at www.disasterassistance.gov.  FEMA is asking that those with ability to register online do so to keep phone lines open for those without connectivity and to share this information with friends and neighbors. 

For those who are unable to return home, states, tribes, localities and the Red Cross continue to operate emergency shelters along the East Coast.  As of last night, more than 280 shelters across 9 states supporting more than 17,700 residents.  To find a shelter, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets. You may also text SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA).

FEMA also has activated, at the request of the states, its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for New York and New Jersey. This program allows eligible survivors who are in shelters and cannot return to their homes due to damages caused by Hurricane Sandy to stay in participating hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.  

“Individuals are registering for disaster assistance all the time, which means we’re getting more help directly to the survivors of this storm,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Impacted residents and business owners in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey can apply for federal assistance by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), via mobile devices at m.fema.gov or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.”

Residents are experiencing long lines at gas stations in the impacted areas and it will take some time for the region’s fuel supply chain to get back to full capacity.  We are taking immediate steps that will provide relief in the short term at the President’s direction, and working with the National Guard and the Governors of New York and New Jersey. The Defense Logistics Agency is providing much needed fuel to the region, which will be moved directly into the most impacted areas in close coordination with state and local partners.

The national task force, established at the direction of the President continues to work to restore power to people as quickly possible and address fuel shortages. Members include Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and representatives from the private sector and local law enforcement. 

The Department of Energy is working with industry partners to ensure that the infrastructure to deliver petroleum is up and running to meet fuel demands.  Normal operations have already resumed at two major refineries in Delaware and New Jersey, and pipeline companies have restored services to six pipelines servicing New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and north to Maine. Yesterday, the President declared that Hurricane Sandy has created a severe energy supply interruption and directed the Energy Department to loan DoD ultra-low sulfur diesel.

Yesterday, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) was directed to purchase up to 12 million gallons of unleaded fuel and up to 10 million gallons of diesel fuel for distribution in areas impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing emergency work and private sector efforts.  Fuel has begun to be distributed throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm. The federal government also has provided hundreds of generators to help critical infrastructure sites and fuel stations operate until full power is restored. 

Today, Secretary Napolitano announced the expansion of the temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act, issued yesterday, to also facilitate the transportation of feedstocks, blending components, and additives used to produce fuels. As a result of impacts caused by Hurricane Sandy, yesterday Secretary Napolitano issued a temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act to immediately allow additional oil tankers coming from the Gulf of Mexico to enter Northeastern ports, to provide additional fuel resources to the region. This will provide more fuel to the region.  The U.S. Coast Guard’s continuing efforts are focused on removing all restrictions on vessel movement in the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as its associated waterways, approaches, and anchorages, and to facilitate the delivery of fuel and other critical commodities.  In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act, earlier this week, to temporarily waive certain federal gasoline requirements for gas sold and distributed in more than a dozen states.  This waiver will help ensure an adequate supply of fuels in the impacted states.

To assist with the metropolitan flood fight, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to aggressively support a de-watering mission of critical infrastructure at the direction of FEMA. De-watering pumps have been deployed and additional large capacity pumps are en route. Teams are in place at critical areas around the New York City vicinity, as identified by local officials and pumping water operations are underway.  Additional USACE teams are at ports and the waterways in both New Jersey and New York clearing debris, and technical assistance personnel have been deployed to support emergency temporary power operations. 

At all times, FEMA maintains commodities, including millions of liters of water, millions of meals and hundreds of thousands of blankets strategically located at distribution centers throughout the United States and its territories, if needed and requested.  In advance of the storm, FEMA and the Department of Defense established Incident Support Bases (ISBs) in Westover, Mass. and Lakehurst, New Jersey to pre-position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to impacted areas.  An additional ISB has been established at Lakehurst Naval Air Station to focus on temporary emergency power, to serve as a staging area for generators from FEMA, the Department of Defense, General Services Administration (GSA) and other agencies throughout the country.  Seven federal staging areas are also operating in affected areas.  As of 4 p.m., more than 2.9 million liters of water and more than 2.3 million meals have been transferred to states to supplement their existing inventory.

In support of New York and New Jersey, FEMA has transferred resources such as food, water, and fuel to the state to distribute to individuals at Points of Distribution (POD) sites. Points of Distribution are centralized points where supplies are delivered and the public travels to the site to pick up commodities following a disaster or emergency. The state, in coordination with local governments, identifies the location of the PODs which are currently operating in hard-hit disaster areas. Individuals should contact their local emergency management for more information.

More than 4,400 FEMA personnel are working to support response operations, including search and rescue, situational awareness, communications and logistical support in states affected by the storm.  Community relations teams are on the ground in the hardest hit areas of the Mid-Atlantic going door-to-door to inform disaster survivors about available services and resources and to gather situational awareness.  FEMA continues to coordinate with the federal family to deploy and mobilize hundreds of staff from various federal agencies to support community relations and operational activities. More than 1,400 housing inspectors are on the ground, meeting with disaster survivors to identify damages to homes, to further expedite assistance to individuals.   

Today, the President expanded the Rhode Island declaration to include assistance for state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities in the counties of Bristol, Newport, and Washington. Earlier in the week, the President signed federal emergency declarations for Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.  This allows FEMA to provide resources directly to state, tribal and local government engaged in life-saving and sustaining activities.

Federal and state personnel are on the ground to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments in several states.  These assessments are designed to give the governor of each state a better picture of damages, and to determine if a request for further federal support is needed. Other assessments may be scheduled as needed and requested.

In addition, the following federal activities are also being coordinated:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has more than 120 employees on the ground in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  As of November 2, the SBA has issued more than 100,000 disaster loan applications to residents and businesses in the three declared states. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters are eligible up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed personal property.  Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has 924 national service members that have been deployed to seven states, with more than 850 more on standby for assignments.  These duties include assisting with shelter operations, call centers, debris removal, and mass care in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.  Members include AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and 41 of 42 FEMA Corps teams.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s continuing efforts are focused on removing all restrictions on vessel movement in the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as its associated waterways, approaches, and anchorages, and to facilitate the delivery of fuel and other critical commodities. 

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) has purchased millions of gallons of unleaded and diesel fuel that is being distributed in areas throughout New York, New Jersey and other communities impacted by the storm to supplement ongoing private sector efforts. 

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that national emergency grant funds will be awarded to both New Jersey and New York to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts. More than $15.5 million will be available to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure while also providing temporary work to those in need of employment.  More than $27.7 million will be available to the New York Department of Labor to assist with the restoration of public lands and infrastructure.  

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved temporary fuel waivers to assist states impacted by Hurricane Sandy. EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for gasoline sold and distributed in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, District of Columbia, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The waiver was granted by EPA in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE).  On November 1, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, expanded the emergency waiver of the Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel specifications to allow the use of high-sulfur heating oil in diesel-powered highway and non-road equipment in addition to non-road vehicles in New Jersey. The waiver will be in effect through November 20.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is making $17 million in quick-release emergency relief funds immediately available to New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island to help begin repairing the damage to roads, bridges, and tunnels. Assessments continue throughout the Northeast to determine the full extent of the damage.

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to work closely with FEMA, and in support of state, tribal, and local officials as the electric industry engages in power restoration efforts.  Daily Situation Reports that detail the storm’s impacts and the restoration activities being taken by the energy sector are available at www.doe.gov.    

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced it is granting taxpayers and tax preparers affected by Hurricane Sandy until Nov. 7 to file returns and accompanying payments normally due on October 31.

The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to coordinate with FEMA, U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau on providing lifesaving and life sustaining assets to FEMA and governors, as requested, and is available for disaster response to support recovery efforts.  

U.S. Northern Command Regional Defense Coordinating Officers (DCO), and portions of the Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) remain on the ground to validate, plan and coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) support of FEMA’s response operations and to facilitate DOD support of life-saving and response operations. Today, in support of power restoration efforts, Air Mobility Command heavy airlift aircraft supported movement of 61 power restoration vehicles, associated equipment, non-medical personnel and cargo from Travis and March Air Force Bases, Cal., to Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is coordinating with FEMA and affected states to identify housing providers who may have available housing units, including public housing agencies and multi-family owners.  HUD is also speeding federal disaster assistance to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey to provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes in the most heavily impacted areas.  The President’s major disaster declarations for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey allow HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to some families in the designated counties.  This week, HUD also announced it will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of New Jersey, State of New York and State of Connecticut and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to Hurricane Sandy.

 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

 

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.The social media links are provided for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications

 

See original: 

The Federal Family and Partners Continue to Support States Affected by Storm

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Rhode Island.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures, including direct federal assistance, taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
  • Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state, tribal and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

  • Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

 FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

See the article here: 

Federal Aid Programs for State of Rhode Island Disaster Recovery

Contact: FEMA Region I News Desk
Phone:  617-513-2582

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster assistance has been made available to Rhode Island to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 26-31, 2012.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the Hurricane Sandy in the counties of Bristol, Newport, and Washington.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

James N. Russo has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Russo said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Original article: 

President Obama Signs Rhode Island Major Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to the State of Rhode Island to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Sandy beginning on October 26, 2012, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in all counties in the State of Rhode Island.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding. 

James N. Russo has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal response operations in the affected area. 

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Link:

President Obama Signs Rhode Island Emergency Declaration

New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida 

Maps become effective May 16, 2012 for Collier County, including unincorporated Collier County, Everglades City, Marco Island and Naples

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-014

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — New flood insurance rate maps go into effect for Collier County, Fla. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk of flooding, and they’re used to help determine flood insurance requirements.

Collier County, Fla. property owners and renters who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before the new maps go into effect.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Even people living outside of high-risk areas can experience flooding, which is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. That’s why everyone, regardless of their flood zone, should take steps to financially protect themselves from a disaster which affects far too many communities each year. The primary way to do that is by purchasing flood insurance. It’s available at affordable rates through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to the May 16, 2012 effective date of the new maps may be able to obtain a preferred risk policy or be grandfathered into the current flood zone, thereby saving money on flood insurance. It’s important that people talk with an insurance agent to see what options are available to them.

Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. NFIP policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agents who people already deal with for other property insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put people in touch with another agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

The new flood maps were produced through a partnership between Collier County and FEMA. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data and the latest science available have been applied to make the maps more accurate, with the ultimate goal of protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Additionally, flood risks change over time due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors — which is why it’s important that maps are updated periodically.

If you have questions about where your property is located on the new flood insurance rate maps, contact your local floodplain manager.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 11:40:15

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New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida

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