HomeMy WebLinkAboutDisaster Guide - 211 Long IslandPage 1
Disaster Assistance Guide
Updated: Nov. 8, 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
DISASTER ASSIST ANCE RE SOURCE
GUIDE
Long Island Region
Version: 11.6.12
Updated November 6, 2012
Visit www.211longisland.org for other needed services.
To help people locate assistance for needs caused by a local
disaster
2-1-1 Long Island is responsible for updating and distribution of this resource guide.
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Disaster Assistance Guide
Updated: Nov. 8, 2012
Table of
Contents
Information Page(s)
Recovery Services (Red Cross, Utilities, Towns) ……………………………………………………………. 3
Shelters, Warming & Food Stations………………………………………………… ………………………… 4-6
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers …………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Financial Benefits, Housing……………………………………………………………………………………………. 7-11
Replace Lost Document in a Disaster …………………………………………………………………………… 11-12
Commonly Asked Questions About Disaster Aid ………………………………………………………….. 12-13
Disaster Loans ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
NYS Insurance Claims ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Health Concerns …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14
Social Service Related Services, Legal …………………………………………………………………………. 15-18
Tax Deductions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Additional Financial Support ………………………………………………………………………………………. 18
Supporting Recovery Services, Volunteering, Donations…………………………………………….. 18-19
Clean Up ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19
Get Local Permits ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
Other Long Term Recovery Services ……………………………………………………………………………. 20-21
Power Outages/Transportation ………………………………………………………………………………….. 22
Avoid Fraud & Scams ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22-23
Disaster Preparedness For Your Pet, Pet Shelters ……………………………………………………….. 23-24
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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INTRODUCTION
This resource guide is intended to help people locate assistance f or needs caused by Hurricane Sandy. 2-1-1 Long
Island is responsible f or updating and distribution of this guide. All suggestions, corrections, and inform ation on
how to make this a better resource f or both v ictims of disaster and helping organizations that serv e them
are welcomed and should be sent to 2-1-1 via the following three emails: 211.longisland@mcpl.lib.ny.us,
panderson@uwwp.org, and eeberhardt@unitedwayli.org. Please note that this guide is organized by general
services, by county, and in certain circum stances, by town or city.
RECOVERY SERVICES
If you hav e been aff ected by Hurricane Sandy on Long Island, please visit www.211longisland.org for up-to-date
information on disaster related services in your area. You may also call the 2 -1-1 LI call center by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-888-
774-7633. The call center is open 24/7 days a week at this time.
American Red Cross Assistance
Am erican Red Cross relief f ocuses on m eeting the immediate em ergency disaster-caused needs of individuals
and f amilies. American Red Cross on Long Island: (516)747-3500 Visit www.redcross.org to download a
“Hurricane App” which provides real-time lists of open shelters.
American Red Cross National Hotline: (866)-GET-INFO (866-438-4636)
Long Island Power Authority – LIPA
REPORT OUTAGES: 1-800-490-0075 or online at liaccount.com/outage or by texting OUT to 695472
Please be advised that LIPA telephone networks are experiencing heavy volume as a result of the storm. If you have
trouble reaching LIPA please be patient and try again.
Visit the LIPA storm center at http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter for an outage map.
National Grid
REPORT GAS LEAKS: 1-800-490-0045
New York State: Hurricane Sandy Helpline for New York State Residents 1-888-769-7243 / 1-518-485-1159
TOWN CONTACTS
Town of North
Hempstead
call 3-1-1 or 516-TOWN-311 www.northhempstead.com
Town of Hempstead 516-489-5000 www.townofhempstead.org
Town of Oyster Bay Downed trees call 516-677-5757 www.oysterbaytown.com
City of Glen Cove 516-676-2000 or 516-676-4402 www.glencove-li.us
City of Long Beach 516-431-1000 www.longbeachny.org
Town of Babylon Downed trees call 631-422-7600 www.townofbabylon.com
Town of Brookhaven Downed trees call 631-451-9200 www.brookhaven.org
Town of East Hampton Roadway obstruction call 631-324-0925 www.town.east-hampton.ny.us
Town of Huntington 631-271-6573; downed trees 631-499-0444 www.huntingtonny.gov
Town of Islip Downed trees call 631-224-5600 www.townofislip-ny.gov
Town of Riverhead 631-727-3200 www.townofriverheadny.gov
Town of Southampton 631-283-6000 www.southamptontownny.gov
Town of Smithtown 631-360-7553; downed trees 631-360-7500 www.smithtownny.gov
Town of Southold 631-765-1800 www.southoldtownny.gov
Town of Shelter Island 631-749-0291 www.shelterislandtown.us
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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AMERICAN RED CROSS SHELTERS (as of 11/8/12)
Anyone planning on utilizing shelters please remember to bring medications and disposable medical supplies. The
Red Cross Shelters will provide food, beverages, a safe place to sleep, health and mental health services for those in
need. People coming to the shelters should bring:
* Bedding for each member of the family
* Diapers and formula for children
* Prescription medicines
* Toiletries
* Food for special dietary needs
Please note that the only animals permitted in Red Cross shelters are service animals; for safety and health reasons
Shelter lists may changes -- to find the shelter closest to you that is open currently, please download the Red Cross
Hurricane App http://app.redcross.org/nss-app/ or visit: http://www.redcross.org/nss. Shelter lists are updated every
30 minutes.
Nassau County Shelters
Farmingdale Senior High School
150 Lincoln Street
Farmingdale ,NY 11735
Glen Cove High School
150 Dosoris Lane
Glen Cove ,NY 11542
Levittown Memorial Special Education Center
150 Abbey Lane
Levittown ,NY 11756
Nassau Community College
1 Education Drive
Garden City ,NY 11530
New Hyde Park Memorial High School
500 Leonard Blvd
New Hyde Park ,NY 11040
North Shore Temple
83 Muttontown Road
Syosset, NY 11791
Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School
121 Central Park Rd
Plainview ,NY 11803
Warming Centers – Nassau ( current list http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/CountyExecutive/)
Baldwin: Senior Center, 1810 N Grand Ave, (9am-6pm)
Bellmore: Library, 2288 Bedford Ave (opens 200 Bellmore Ave (9am -9pm)
Bellmore: Senior Center (9am-6pm)
Bethpage: Senior Center, 103 Grumman Rd W (9am-4:00pm)
East Meadow: American Legion Hall, 294 Bellmore Rd (3pm-8pm)
Elmont: Senior Center, 138 Elmont Rd (9am-6pm)
Franklin Square: Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place (8am-4pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement weather
Freeport: Memorial Library, 144 West Merrick Road (9am-9pm)
Freeport: Senior Center, 66 Church Street, (9am-4pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement weather
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Glen Cove: Senior Center, 130 Glen St, (9am-5pm)
Great Neck: Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue (9am-5pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement weather
Green Acres: Senior Center, 400 Flower Rd, Valley Stream (9am-6pm)
Hempstead: Senior Center, United Methodist Church, 40 Washington St (10am-2pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement
weather
Herricks: Senior Center 999 Herricks Rd, New Hyde Park (9am-8pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement weather
Levittown: Senior Center 555 Newbridge Rd (9am-6pm)
Massapequa Park: Our Lady of Loudes School, 379 Linden St.
Merrick: Library, 2279 Merrick Ave, (9am-9pm)
Merrick: Golf Course Clubhouse, 2550 Clubhouse Rd (6am -7pm)
North Merrick: Senior Center, Brookside School, 1260 Meadowbrook Rd, (9am-4:45pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement
weather
Oyster Bay: Senior Center, 45 E Main St (M, T, W 9am-8pm: T & F 8:30am-4:30pm)
Port Washington: Senior Center, St Stephens Church, 9 Carlton Ave (9am-4pm)
Rockville Centre: American Legion, 197 Maple Ave. (12 noon-9pm)
Rockville Centre: Hispanic Brotherhood Senior Program, 59 Clinton Ave (9am-4pm)
Roosevelt: Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Tpke (9 am-6 pm)
Syosset: North Shore Synagogue, 83 Muttontown Eastwoods Rd., (also serving 3 meals a day)
Uniondale/Hempstead: Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Ave, (9am-6pm)
Uniondale/Merrick: Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Ave, Uniondale (9am-6pm)
Wantagh: Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Rd, Wantagh (9am-6pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement weather
Wantagh: Temple Bnei Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave. (Mon – Thurs. 9am-5pm, Fri. 9am-3pm)
West Hempstead: Echo Park Pool, 399 Nassau Blvd (9am-6pm)
Westbury: Magnolia Gardens Senior Center, 899 Broadway
Westbury: Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Dr, (9am-6pm) – CLOSED 11/8 due to inclement weather
Westbury: Senior Center, 360 Post Ave, (8:30 pm-3:30pm)
Suffolk County Shelters
North Babylon High School
1 Phelps Lane
North Babylon ,NY 11703
Pet Friendly Shelter (Pets only) North Babylon Fire Department - 20 Hale Rd, North Babylon, NY
Note: the Pet shelter is across the street from the North Babylon High School Shelter at 1 Phelps Lane, North Babylon.
Robert Frost Middle School
450 Half Hollow Road
Deer Park ,NY 11729
Sachem Old District Office
245 Union Ave
Holbrook ,NY 11741
St Joseph's College
155 West Roe Boulevard
Patchogue ,NY 11772
William Floyd High School
240 Mastic Beach Rd
Mastic Beach ,NY 11951
YMCA-Long Island
60 Main Street
Huntington ,NY 11743
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Warming Centers – Suffolk County (current list at http://scoem.suffolkcountyny.gov/)
For warming, food, & charging.
Central Presbyterian Church, 240 Main St, Huntington
Dix Hills Ice Rink, 575 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills
Huntington YMCA, 60 Main Street, Huntington
Lights of Salvation Church, 1599 New York Ave, Huntington
Mastic Recreation Center, 15 Herkimer St, Mastic
New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Rd, Centereach
Robert E. Reid Senior Recreational Center, Defense Hill & Route 25-A, Shoreham
Saint Michaels and All Angels Church, Wilson Ave, Gordon Heights
Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave, Huntington
FOOD
American Red Cross Food Sites
will be open to serve lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner at 4 p.m. at the following locations:
Nassau County
Nickerson Beach Park
880 Lido Blvd,. Lido Beach NY
Cedar Creek Park
3340 Merrick Road, Seaford NY
Grant Park
Broadway & Sheridan Ave., Hewlett NY
Suffolk County
H.Lee Dennison Bldg.
100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge NY
Riverhead City Center
210 Center Drive, Riverhead NY
Mastic Fire House
1080 Mastic Road, Mastic, NY
Island Harvest Hurricane Relief
(516) 294-8528 or (631) 873-4775
Agency has mobile food pantries and fleet of trucks visiting communities including Long Beach, Freeport, Lindenhurst,
Bay Shore, Amityville, Babylon, Mastic, New Cassel, Great Neck, Port Washington, Bayville, Glen Cove and Shirley to
bring food and personal care items to thousands of residents in these hard hit neighborhoods.
Donations of food, cleaning supplies, water, and nonperishable items (low sodium canned vegetables, soups & fruit,
canned meat, whole wheat pasta & cereal, nutritional beverages such as Ensure) may be dropped off at the following
Island Harvest locations:
Island Harvest Food Collection & Distribution Center
40 Marcus Boulevard
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Island Harvest Uniondale Warehouse (behind the Holly Patterson extended care facility)
875 Jerusalem Avenue
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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FEMA - Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) (as of 11/6/12)
DRCs will open for homeowners, renters and business owners who sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
Specialists from the state of New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (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. The recovery centers act as a one-stop-shop for eligible survivors where they can meet with both
state and federal workers and get help as quickly as possible. Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for
survivors who want disaster assistance, but the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their
questions about disaster aid and help applying for it. More recovery centers will open as sites are identified and
approved.
Nassau County (per FEMA website http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm)
Nassau Community College
1 Education Drive, Garden City, NY
Hours: Nov. 1, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Nov. 2 to further notice: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
Recreation Center and Ice Arena
700 Magnolia Blvd
Long Beach, NY 11561
Island Park Village Hall
127 Long Beach Road
Island Park, NY 11558
Suffolk County (per FEMA website http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm )
H. Lee Dennison Bldg.
100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge
Riverhead Community Center
300 Center Drive, Riverhead
Islip Town Hall
655 Main Street, Islip
Southold Town Hall
53095 Route 25, Southold
Mobile Center: Edward W. Bower Elementary School
315 Montauk Highway, Lindenhurst
Individuals are encouraged to 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. If you use 711-Relay or Video Relay
Services (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven
days a week until further notice.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
FEMA issued a Major Disaster Declaration on October 30, 2012 for Hurricane Sandy to include the following
counties:
Nassau County
Suffolk County
FEMA Assistance www.fema.gov
FEMA prov ides f unding and assistance to local residents (renters and hom eowners) and businesses who have
sustained loss of or dam age to propert y that is not cov ered by insurance. Contact your insurance com pany first: If you
are NOT cov ered f or the storm dam age by your insurance com pany, you m ay be eligible for federal aid. You will need
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to obtain a letter f rom your insurance com pany saying you are not cov ered f or dam age f rom the storm. Applicants can
feel conf ident that the inf ormation they provide is used only to access disaster recovery assistance, according to the
head of disaster recov ery operations in New York f or the Federal Em ergency Managem ent Agency (FEMA).
The aid is available to citizens, non-citizen nationals, and qualified aliens. Qualified aliens include those with legal
perm anent residence (shown by green cards). Their status will not be jeopardized by requesting disaster
assistance.
A minor child who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien can have a parent or guardian who is not
eligible apply f or assistance on the child’s behalf . No inf orm ation will be gathered on the adult’s status.
The status of qualified alien includes:
legal perm anent residents (those with green cards),
those with ref ugee or asylum status,
those whose deportation has been withheld,
those on parole into the U.S. for at least one year f or hum anitarian purposes,
those with conditional entry,
those who are Cuban-Haitian entrants,
and those with petitions f or relief based on battery or extrem e cruelty by a f amily m em ber.
The application f or assistance f rom the Federal Em ergency Managem ent Agency (FEMA) requires applicants to
certify that they are either citizens, non-citizen nationals or qualified aliens. FEMA conducts random audits of
applications to v erif y U.S. citizenship and qualified alien docum entation issued by the Immigration and Naturalization
Service. Howev er, assistance can be given as long as som eone in the household is entitled to it, and no inf ormation
will be gathered regarding the status of others in the household.
Individual Assistance (IA)
Is disaster assistance directed to f amilies, individuals, and businesses within a disaster area. Applications can be
subm itted by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or filing on-line by logging onto www.disasterassistance.gov.
Hearing im paired individuals using TTY m ay call 1-800-462-7585.
In addition, it is recomm ended to have the f ollowing inform ation ready when applying f or assistance:
• Your Social Securit y num ber
• Current and pre-disaster address.
• A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.
• Insurance inf ormation.
• Directions to your dam aged property.
• A telephone num ber where you can be contacted.
• T otal household annual incom e
• A routing and account num ber from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance
f unds transf erred directly into your bank account).
Af ter you'v e com pleted your application f or assistance, you will receive a FEMA application num ber. W rite down
this num ber and keep it f or f uture ref erence. This num ber can also be used f or identification at banks, airlines,
etc. if your identification has been destroyed.
HOUSING
To register with FEMA, call FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. People with hearing disabilities can call the TTY number,
800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device
or sm art phone at m .fem a.gov.
Rental Assistance
New York State storm survivors who lost their hom e because of dam ages caused by Hurricane Sandy m ay be
eligible to receiv e rental assistance. FEMA offers f unds to rent alternativ e housing for a limited period of tim e while
repairs are m ade to the dwelling. Residents should first apply by calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362; TTY
1-800-462-7585. Multilingual assistance is also available by phone. Applicants can also register online at
www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a Sm artphone at m.f em a.gov.
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Hav e the f ollowing inf orm ation at hand when calling:
• Your Social Securit y num ber;
• A general list of dam ages and losses you suff ered;
• Clear directions to the property that was dam aged;
• Current m ailing address and phone num ber;
• Insurance inf ormation;
• General financial inf orm ation; and
• Bank account code if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.
FEMA will discuss with surviv ors the temporary housing process. Hurricane Sandy survivors who are homeowners may
apply for rental assistance while they make home repairs. Displaced tenants may apply for rent assistance, but the
assistance will be limited (most likely to 2 months rent). Families and individuals in the declared counties who are
registered for federal disaster assistance and seeking rental resources can search through hundreds of listings on
the FEMA Housing Portal at asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm .
FEMA announced on 11/7/12 that the agency is increasing the amount of rental assistance that it may provide eligible
disaster survivors in New York and New Jersey. The rental amount, based on existing HUD Fair Market Rates (FMR)
for fiscal 2013, is being increased by an additional 25 percent.
The maximum Individual Assistance grant for Hurricane Sandy has been fixed at $31,900. Homeowners may also apply for
SBA loans for additional assistance.
Storm Survivors Storm Looking For a Place to Rent
• Call the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362 and asking f or rental resources by town, county, num ber of
bedroom s, accessibility and other criteria.
• Visit the nearest Disaster Recov ery Center (DRC) and consulting a FEMA specialist.
• Visit the New York State website: http://www.nyhousingsearch.gov/
• FEMA Housing Portal at asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm
• Visit Multiple Listing Service website http://www.mlsli.com/rentalsearch.cfm
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program
FEMA has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which allows eligible survivors who are in
shelters and cannot return to their homes due to storm -related damages to stay in participating hotels or motels until
more suitable housing accommodations are available. FEMA’s contracted vendor, Corporate Lodging Consultants, is
maintaining a list of participating hotels and motels, and working to bring on more hotels to ensure that the needs of all
survivors are being met. Hotel and motel owners who wish to become a participating hotel can sign up at
https://ela.corplodging.com/
Temporary Housing Units (THUs)
The use of temporary housing trailers has not yet been determined by FEMA.
New Yorkers With Property To Rent to Storm Survivor(s)
Call the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362 and prov ide the f ollowing inf orm ation:
o Address of rental property;
o Monthly rent;
o Num ber of bedroom s;
o If the propert y is accessible to people with disabilities; and
o If you accept pets, and the deposit required for pets, if any.
FEMA Assistance for Immigrant Families
FEMA helps the household, theref ore if anyone in the household qualifies (a child born on the US, or a parent
with a green card), then the f amily would qualif y f or help.
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Post-Application Process
If an inspection is required to process your application, an inspector will contact you to m ake an appointm ent to visit
your property and assess the dam age about 10 days af ter your application has been filed.
W ithin about 10 days of the inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter from FEMA inf orming you of the decision on
your request f or help. FEMA will m ail you a copy of your application and an applicant’s guide that will answer m any
of your questions.
• If you are eligible for help, the letter will be followed by a U.S. Treasury/State check or there will be a transf er
of cash to your bank account. The letter will ex plain what the m oney can be used to pay f or. You should use
the m oney given to you as explained in the letter.
• If you are not eligible f or help, the letter will giv e the reason f or the decision. You will be inf ormed of your appeal
rights in the letter f rom FEMA.
If FEM A Assistance is Denied
A denial letter does not necessarily m ean that an applicant is ineligible f or assistance. It m ay m ean that the information
provided is incom plete. An applicant also has the right to appeal a denial in writing within 60 days from the date of
the decision of the letter. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the "Help After a Disaster" handbook that each
applicant receives. Applicants can also get guidance on this issue at any Disaster Recovery Center. Helpline, 1-
800-621-FEMA (3362)
Individuals may also com plete and return the US Sm all Business Administration loan application.
Instructions for Filing an Appeal
Appeals m ust be m ade in writing and sent by mail or f ax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter of
determination. The appeal letter should include
• New or missing inf orm ation
• Docum ents and dam age repair estim ates that support the appeal request
• Your nam e
• Address of dam aged hom e
• FEMA registration num ber
• Num ber of the disaster (f or ex am ple: DR-4020-NY), found in the letter you received from FEMA.
Mail appeals to:
FEMA-Appeals Officer
National Processing Serv ice Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Fax Appeals T o: 1-800-827-8112
Report False Damage Claims
If you suspect som eone is filing f alse dam age claim s please report it to 800-323-8603
Home Repair
Community Development Corporation of Long Island offers several programs that may be able to assist Long Island
residents, including its Emergency Home Loan Repair Program. Contact (631)471-1215 or homeloan@cdcli.org.
Public Assistance (PA)
Prov ide assistance to Nonprofit organizations and Local, County, State, and Tribal Governm ents f or supplem ental
reim bursem ent or the repair or restoration of the infrastructures and f acilities to pre-disaster condition after the
declaration of a m ajor disaster. Please see the following for more information:
Municipality Checklist/Forms: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery/documents/municipality-checklist.pdf
Request for Public Assistance: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery/documents/RPA-Form-2011.pdf
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Applicant Handbook: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/recovery/documents/4020-Applicant-Handbook.pdf
Counties eligible f or public Assistance – will be determined post disaster
New York State Financial Services Department
Consumers in New York will not be required to meet hurricane deductibles when seeking reimbur sement for damages
from the storm. Winds must exceed 100 miles per hour, which was not recorded in New York, for the deductible to take
effect. The Department has set up a hotline 1-800-339-1759 for homeowners. Those unable to resolve disputes can
file complaints at http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/fileacomplaint.htm.
NYS Dept. of Homeland Security and Emergency Services - Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HM)
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-
term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. The purpose of the HMGP is to reduce the loss of
life and property due to natural disasters and to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate
recovery from a disaster. http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/sandy/mitigation/
Disaster Counseling
Disaster Distress Helpline
Operates 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week as a resource to people who are in emotional distress after experiencing
a natural or man-made disaster or tragedy. Available to survivors, first responders1.800.985.5990, bilingual in 150
languages, or text “talkwithus” to 66746” or “hablanos” to 66746.
Disaster Case Management Program
Disaster Case Managem ent assists with unmet needs following a disaster, which may include:
• T hose that are not eligible for FEMA,
• T hose that got FEMA assistance but still have unm et needs,
• T hose that are conf used about where they stand in the FEMA process. (we can help them find out
where their case stands.
It is im portant to note that immigrants are eligible f or Disaster Case Managem ent even if they are not eligible for
FEMA.
To be determined if any nonprofit organizations in New York will be funded to provide disaster case management for those
affected by Hurricane Sandy.
HOW TO REPLACE DOCUMENTS LOST IN A DIS ASTER
Part of disaster preparation is f or people to put critical docum ents in a saf e place. This m eans placing them in a
sealable plastic bag or other watertight container and securing that container where it is best protected and can easily
be located. Unf ortunatel y, som etim es even these steps will not keep docum ents f rom being lost or destroyed,
especially in the event of tornados, hurricanes or wildfires. If papers are lost – like birth certificates, Social Security
cards, drivers’ licenses, tax records and so on – New York state and FEMA are advising residents on how to recov er
them :
• Birth certificates: If you were born within the confines of the five boroughs of New York City, visit or write to the
Office of Vital Records, 125 W orth Street, Room 133, New York, N.Y. 10013. (A photo ID is required both by
mail and in person.) The office advises the f astest way to get records is online at www.nyc.gov/vitalrecords or
call 3-1-1 .
• If you were born in New York state outside of New York Cit y, contact your Town Clerk or NY State Vital Records
at http://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/ or 877-854-4481.
• log onto www.v italchek.com or phone 1-877-854-4481. This will connect you to a com pany called VitalChek,
which is contracted with the state to handle credit-card orders. There are m odest f ees involv ed.
• Drivers’ licenses: Visit any New York Departm ent of Motor Vehicles office. To find an office nearby, log
onto www.nydmv.state.ny.us/offices.htm.
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• Social Securit y card replacements: Call the U.S. Social Security office at 800-772-1213, Monday through
Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m . local tim e. For TTY users the num ber is 800-325-0778, or log onto
www.ssa.gov/ssnum ber f or m ore inf orm ation.
• Federal tax records: Call 800-829-1040, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m . to 10 p.m. local tim e, or log
onto www.irs.gov.
• New York state tax records and New York City tax records: Log onto http://www.tax.ny.gov or phone 518-457-
5181. TDD 518-485-5082
For copies of your utility bills, bank records, insurance policies, m ortgage paym ents and the like, call the appropriate
firm and speak to a custom er-service representativ e.
It is also a good idea to m ake copies of all your v ital and im portant docum ents and m ail them to a friend or relative
you can trust to keep them saf e and retrievable in case disaster strikes.
COMMO NLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABO UT DISASTER AID
Q: Does FEMA charge a f ee f or a hom e
inspection? A: No. FEMA never charges f or an
inspection.
Q: I have applied for disaster assistance bef ore, do I need to apply again?
A: Yes. Ev en if you applied f or assistance f or a prev ious disaster, you m ust apply again for this disaster.
Q. I already cleaned up and m ade repairs to m y property. Am I still eligible to register with
FEMA? A. Yes. You m ay be eligible f or reim bursem ent of your clean up and repair expenses.
Q: W ill FEMA assistance affect m y Social Securit y check?
A. No. Any aid you receive f rom FEMA will not affect your m onthly Social Securit y check.
Q: Are disaster relief paym ents tax able?
A: No. Qualified disaster relief paym ents are not tax able.
Q: Does m y incom e need to be under a certain dollar am ount to qualify for disaster aid?
A: No. FEMA’s Housing Assistance program is av ailable to anyone who suff ered dam age or loss in the declared
counties, regardless of incom e. Som e aid under the Other Needs Assistance program is incom e dependent and
officials m ake decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Q. Isn’t there a lot of paperwork to register with FEMA?
A. No. T here is no paperwork to register with FEMA. You can register with one sim ple phone call. Call the
FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Phone lines are open f rom 7 a.m . to 10 p.m . ET, sev en days a week until f urther
notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY num ber, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online
at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled m obile device or sm artphone at m.f em a.gov. Follow the
link to “appl y online f or f ederal assistance.”
Q: If I got help f rom the American Red Cross, can I also get help f rom FEMA?
A: Yes. FEMA and New York State coordinate a num ber of program s to help disaster surv iv ors. These programs
differ from the em ergency f ood, clothing and shelter provided by the Am erican Red Cross and other v oluntary
agencies.
Q: W hen I get help from the Am erican Red Cross, am I autom atically registered with FEMA?
A: No. Registering with the American Red Cross or any v oluntary agency is not the sam e as registering with FEMA. If
you are a hom eowner, renter, or business owner who have dam ages from a disaster, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-
621-3362 to register.
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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Q. I hav e flood insurance. Should I still register with FEMA?
A. Yes. Ev eryone with flood insurance should register with FEMA. FEMA m ay be able to help with uninsured costs.
Q: Do I have to own a business to apply f or a loan f rom the U.S. Sm all Business Adm inistration?
A: No. T he SBA is the prim ary source of financial assistance f ollowing a disaster and provides low-interest loans
to hom eowner s, renters, businesses, and non-prof its.
Q: Do I have to be turned down by m y bank bef ore I can apply f or a disaster
loan? A: No. The SBA has its own criteria f or determining each loan applicant’s
eligibility.
Q: If I rent an apartm ent, can I get help to replace my dam aged personal property?
A: Yes. A renter m ay qualify f or a FEMA grant or a SBA low-interest disaster loan to replace personal property.
Q: W ill FEMA pay f or all hom e repairs or contract work?
A: No. FEMA does not pay to return your hom e to its condition bef ore the disaster. FEMA provides grants to qualified
hom eowner s to repair dam age not covered by insurance but the grants m ay not pay for all the dam age. A SBA loan
may return a hom e to its pre-disaster condition.
Q: Do I have to repay money I receiv e f or disaster relief?
A: No. You do not hav e to repay grant m oney but you m ust repay SBA loans.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and f irst responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build,
sustain, and im prove our capability to prepare f or, protect against, respond to, recov er from , and mitigate all
hazards.
DISAST ER LO ANS (SB A)
SBA provides low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonp rofit
organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets
that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. If you have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, please
visit http://www.sba.gov/content/2012-hurricane-and-tropical-storm-recovery-assistance-information# for information
about how to apply for SBA disaster assistance.
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.
Businesses and private non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster
damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. The SBA may
increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements,
as verified by SBA, to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-
profit organizations of all sizes, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs
caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business
suffered any physical property damage.
Interest rates are as low as 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for non-profit organizations and 4
percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each
applicant’s financial condition.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
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To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
or by mobile device at m.fema.gov. If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free
Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362. Additional
details on the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers and the loan application pr ocess can be obtained by calling the
SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an e-
mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is December 31, 2012. The deadline to return
economic injury applications is July 31, 2013.
NYS INSURANCE CL AIMS
If you have hom eowner's insurance and sustained any dam age, start collecting docum ents to support any claim. Flood
dam age is often not cov ered under m any policies. The NYS Department of Financial Services opened Hurricane
Sandy inform ation hot line f rom 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Weekdays; 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Weekends at 1-800-339-1759 or visit
http://www.dfs.ny.gov/ f or m ore inf orm ation.
HE ALTH CONCERNS
Nassau County Dept. of Health
Weekdays 9:00 am - 4:45 pm: (516) 227-9697
After Hours and Weekend Emergencies: (516) 742-6154
Suffolk County Dept. of Health
Business Hours (631) 853-3055, (631)853-3005, (631) 854-0100
After normal business hours and weekends, contact (631) 852-4820.
Power Outages and Food Safety
Hom es that have been without power f or som e period of tim e, residents will need to evaluate f ood left in
refrigerators and f reezers. Bacteria can readil y grow at tem peratures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit in
many f oods and m ake people ill. Here are som e general guidelines f rom the NYS Departm ent of Health:
• Foods such as eggs, milk, m eats, chicken, seaf ood, cooked leftov ers, gravies, soups, or products
with these ingredients, must be discarded if temperatures exceeded 41 degrees Fahrenheit for
more than 2 hours. If these f oods were abov e 41 degrees f or less than two hours and can be
cooled to less than 41 degrees within the next two hour tim e f ram e, they do not need to be
discarded.
• Foods such as f ruits, vegetables, juices, cheeses and condim ents, m ay be stored above 41 degrees
Fahrenheit for an extended tim e, but should be checked f or appearance, odor, texture and color
bef ore being serv ed f or consum ption.
• Frozen chicken, seaf ood, meats, cooked leftovers, gravies, soups, or products with these
ingredients that hav e thawed (sof t to touch, liquid evident) but have not warm ed to above 41
degrees Fahrenheit should be cooked imm ediately and either consum ed, refrigerated or discarded.
Semi-perishable f oods, i.e., breads, f ruits, vegetables, can be cooked and used or ref rozen.
Refreezing m ay cause a loss in nutritional and/or taste v alue.
• Frozen f oods that hav e com pletely thawed and hav e been warm ed to tem peratures above 41
degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded.
• The m otto to rem em ber relative to ref rigerated or f rozen f ood is: “WHEN IN DOUBT, T HROW IT
OUT.”
Residents can v isit www.f da.gov f or m ore inf orm ation about f ood saf ety f ollowing a power outage, or they can
call their local Health Departm ent.
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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SOCIAL SERVICE RELATED SERVICES
Replacement of SNAP/Food Stamp Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the Food Stamp Program in New York
State.
For all SNAP/food stamp recipients in Nassau & Suffolk Counties: The Dept. of Social Service will be automatically
posting 50% of the client’s food stamp benefit to their EBT card. The benefit will be provided to ALL active food stamp
recipients, whether they have been directly affected by the disaster or not. Recipients will also be allowed to purchase
prepared foods until November 30. For more information visit www.odta.ny.gov/news/SNAP/replacement.pdf
There are Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) Coordinators can help families and individuals who may
be eligible for Replacement benefits or wish to now apply for SNAP/food stamp benefits:
Catholic Charities
SNAP/Nutrition Outreach & Education Program
143 Schleigel Boulevard, Amityville, NY 11701
(631)789-9546
Suffolk
Health & Welfare Council
SNAP/Food Stamp Assistance
150 Broad Hollow Road, Melville NY 11747
(516)483-1110, press 4
Nassau
Disaster Legal Services
New York state residents f acing legal issues arising out of Hurricane Sandy can get f ree legal help through the
Federal Em ergency Managem ent Agency’s Disaster Legal Services program.
Disaster Legal Serv ices (DLS) is a f ederal program operated by the Am erican Bar Association Young Lawyers
Div ision (ABA YLD) providing free legal services to persons affected by presidentially declared m ajor disasters.
Disast er Legal Serv ices can help surviv ors with bankruptcy, civil rights, em ploym ent law, landlord-tenant law, FEMA
benefits claim s, wills, trusts and probate m atters, am ong other issues potentially arising f rom disaster.
Any person aff ected by Hurricane Sandy who does not have the m eans to hire a lawyer is eligible. Call the
Disaster Legal Serv ices Hotline at 1-800-342-3661 and the service is av ailable from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday. Callers will be connected with attorneys who can provide over-the-phone assistance. W hen
needed, callers will be ref erred to attorneys who can provide legal representation f ree of charge. All calls are
com pletely confidential.
Touro Law School Pro Bono Storm Help Center - “TLC- HEART”
To provide referrals, assistance and legal advice for local residents and small businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy.
The center, called TLC-HEART (Touro Law Center - Hurricane Emergency Assistance and Referral Team), will be
staffed by volunteer lawyers and law students. It will include a telephone hotline (hours to be determined) that will match
resident concerns with referrals to federal, state and local government agencies and private groups offering storm -
related assistance. The Center will also offer:
assistance in assessing eligibility and completing application forms for the wide range of emergency assistance
available to storm victims, both individuals and small businesses (e.g., food stamps, government loans and
grants);
free legal consultation and advice on storm -related legal issues (e.g., insurance, landlord-tenant, consumer
complaints, unemployment);
assistance to members of the Touro Law community who are in need.
Beginning next week, residents will be able to call the center at (631) 761-7198 and email tlcheart@tourolaw.edu.
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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Federal Disaster Une mployment Assistance (DUA)
DUA may be available for individuals, including the self-employed, who are unemployed as a direct result of the
damages caused by Hurricane Sandy. Eligibility requirements for DUA differ from regular unemployment insurance
and you may qualify if you are self-employed, even if you own and operate a farm. To apply for unemployment benefits
or disaster unemployment assistance, Call Department of Labor’s Telephone Claims Center (TCC) at 1-888-209-8124
by December 3, 2012.
When you file for unemployment insurance benefits, you should have the following information ready
and available:
• Your social securit y num ber
• Your NYS driv er license or Motor Vehicle ID card num ber (if you have one)
• Your m ailing address and zip code
• A phone num ber where you can be reached f or additional inf orm ation
• Your alien registration card num ber (if you hav e one)
• Your 2010 incom e tax return:
Self-emplo yed workers:
o Schedule C (line 31) net profit or loss
Farmers:
o Schedule F (line 36) net f arm profit or loss
Can still run the business or farm and collect DUA?
You m ay be able to earn an incom e and still collect DUA in som e situations. Exam ples include, but are not limited to,
the f ollowing:
• Businesses m ay qualify f or DUA if the level of incom e is significantly diminished as a direct result of the disaster.
For exam ple, a m anuf acturer of goods that has a m ajor part of their inventory destroyed m ay be eligible.
• Farm ers who are inv olv ed in m ore than one aspect of farming (i.e. dairy and crops) m ay still be eligible f or partial
DUA
paym ents.
Will collecting DUA p revent from either cleaning or salvaging business/farm?
• Restorativ e or clean-up work, which is necessary because of the disaster, will not disqualif y an individual for
DUA.
• Salvaging or other limited self-em ploym ent activity alone will not necessarily make som eone ineligible for DUA
as long as they work less than f ull tim e and their earnings do not exceed their m axim um weekly benefit rate.
• If salvaging results in a brief period of earnings of m ore than $405 a week, then DUA would stop during that
period, but resum e after salvaging operations end. For exam ple, a f arm er who was substantially im pacted by
the disaster m ay be able to harv est the residual crops that were not im pacted by the disaster. During the
period where salv aging occurred, the f arm er m ay not be eligible f or DUA, but could be eligible later on.
New or Replacement Social Security Cards (SSI, SSD)
Anyone receiving Social Security paym ents (or SSI, SSD) that have been interrupted can go to any Social Security
office to get an em ergency paym ent. For inf orm ation about changing m ailing addresses, obtaining a new card, direct
deposit or locating a nearby SS office, call (800)772-1213.
Food Stamps
In tim es of disaster it may becom e v ery difficult to obtain the resources needed to m aintain a healthy and f ulfilling diet for
your f amily and yourself . You m ay be eligible f or Food Stam ps. Food Stamp eligibility is based on income guidelines.
Places to apply are:
Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services – main
number
(516) 227-8519
Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services – food
stamp applications
(516) 227-8523
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services –
Emergency Services operates from 6:00pm to 8:00am
weekdays, and continuously on weekends and
holidays.
(516)-573-8626
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services -
South W est Center
631-854-6600
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Riverhead Center
(631)852-3500
Suffolk Count y Departm ent of Social Services -
Coram Center
(631)854-2300
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Smithtown Center
(631)853-8714
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Emergencies (After 4:30 PM & Weekends):
(631) 854-9100
Medicaid (Health Insurance)
In tim es of disaster it may becom e v ery difficult to obtain the resources needed f or health insurance. You m ay be
eligible f or the Medicaid program . Places to apply are:
Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services (516) 227-8519
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services -
Smithtown Center
(631) 853-8730
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Riverhead Center
(631) 852-3710
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Ronkonkoma Center
(631) 854-9700
Medications
Rx Response is scheduled to begin providing the free Pharmacy Status Reporting Tool on their website as of
Monday, October 29. The tool is a map that shows residents where there are open pharmacies, as well as those that
are closed or their status is unknown. It also shows Red Cross Shelters. The map provides an address and phone
number for each pharmacy. It is suggested that individuals call the pharmacy’s phone number to confirm that the
pharmacy has the prescription they need before venturing out. The map will be located at www.rxresponse.org website
at http://www.rxresponse.org/Pharm acyStatus/Pages/ActivePharmacyReporting.aspx.
Temporary Assistance from the Department of Social Services
In a m ajor disaster or large-scale em ergency, you m ay qualif y f or tem porary financial assistance to stabilize your
current situation and begin to recover. Places to appl y are:
Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services (516) 227-8519
Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services – food
stamp applications
(516) 227-8523
Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services –
Emergency Services operates from 6:00pm to 8:00am
weekdays, and continuously on weekends and
holidays.
(516)-573-8626
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services -
South West Center
631-854-6600
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Riverhead Center
(631)852-3500
Suffolk Count y Departm ent of Social Services -
Coram Center
(631)854-2300
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Smithtown Center
(631)853-8714
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Emergencies (After 4:30 PM & Weekends):
(631) 854-9100
Suspension of Federal Student Loans
If you live in a f ederally declared disaster area you m ay tem porarily suspend f ederal student loan paym ents by
contacting the f ollowing servicers:
• Direct Loans – 800-848-0979
• Federal F amily Education Loans – 800-433-3243
• All borrowers can also contact the Federal Student Aid Om budsm an Program at 877-557-2575 f or assistance
Change of Address Form
Mail change of address f orm s are available online at www.usps.com or at any US Postal Service location. Please be
sure to update any FEMA applications with newest address inf orm ation.
TAX DEDUCTIO NS
Property losses f rom natural disasters are tax-deductible. If you claim a casualty loss resulting f rom a disaster, you
may be asked to show:
• T he kind of disaster and when it occurred
• T he dam age that was a direct result of the disaster
• Proof of owner ship of the property
• Your incom e tax basis in the propert y; this is the total value of your hom e (original cost plus cost of
any im provem ents) minus any depreciation claimed f or incom e tax purposes.
• Fair m arket value bef ore and after the disaster
• Insurance benef its, free repairs, restoration, and cleanup f rom disaster relief agencies
Bef ore and af ter photographs, receipts, canceled checks, deeds, purchase contracts, and prof essional appraisals are
good supporting evidence for casualty claim s. For m ore inf orm ation, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or visit
www.irs.gov f or f orm s and inf orm ation on how to contact specific units.
ADDITION AL FINANCIAL SUPPORT
To be determined post disaster.
SUPPORTING RECOVERY SERVICES
If you are f ortunate enough not to have suff ered m ajor dam age during Hurricane Sandy and would like to help
your neighbors through monetary donations and or volunteering, contact the agencies listed below.
Monetary Donations
Am erican Red Cross, (800)-REDCROSS (800-733-2767)
The Salvation Army, text “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation
United Way Worldwide, visit www.uwsandyrecovery.org or text RECOVERY 52000 to donate to long-term
recovery efforts of United Ways across the Eastern Seaboard including United Way of Long Island.
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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Volunteer Opportunities
Am erican Red Cross Long Island 347-687-4611 or
staffing@nyredcross.org
Long Island Volunteer Center Long Island 516-564-5482
www.longislandvolunteercenter.org
2-1-1 Long Island for up-to-date inf orm ation on
agencies needing v olunteers f or special program s.
Dial 2-1-1 or
1-888-774-7633
DONATIONS
Organizations are just starting to locate warehouse and storage space. The need for donations will change.
DONATIONS OF CLOTHING ARE NOT NEEDED AT THIS TIME.
Island Harvest
Donations of food, cleaning supplies, water, and nonperishable items may be dropped off at the following Island Harvest
locations:
Island Harvest Food Collection & Distribution Center
40 Marcus Boulevard
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Island Harvest Uniondale Warehouse (behind the Holly Patterson extended care facility)
875 Jerusalem Avenue
Uniondale, NY 11553
Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Long Island Cares
Accepting donations of diapers and baby formula that will be delivered to shelters.
631-582-FOOD
Facebook.com/licares
Long Island Food Not Bombs
Donations of food, gasoline and communication devices.
Email: longislandfoodnotbombs@gmail.com
Disaster Relief Training (help for future emergencies)
Am erican Red Cross on Long Island 516-747-3500
Mud/Debris Removal and Flood Clean-up
Individuals seeking volunteer teams to assist with mud out and clean up of debris may call
Helping Hands at 347-709-0438
Methodist Church NY Conference 914-615-2233
Mold Clean-Up/Prevention
Learn m ore about clean up and prevention of m old at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/m old/protect.asp
Flood Water Clean-up Tips - Inside the Home
• Keep children and pets out of the aff ected area until cleanup has been com pleted.
• W ear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• Rem ove and discard item s that cannot be washed and disinf ected (such as, m attresses, carpeting, carpet
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Disaster Assistance Guide
Updated: Nov. 8, 2012
padding, rugs, upholstered f urniture, cosm etics, stuff ed anim als, baby toys, pillows, f oam-rubber item s, books,
wall coverings, and m ost paper products).
• Rem ove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• T horoughl y clean all hard surf aces (such as flooring, concrete, m olding, wood and m etal furniture,
countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plum bing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using f ans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• Af ter com pleting the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute
(allow the water to cool bef ore washing your hands).
• Or you may use water that has been disinf ected f or personal hygiene use (solution of ⅛ teaspoon of
household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand f or 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of
¼ teaspoon of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
• W ash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed
separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• W ash clothes contam inated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recomm ended that a
laundrom at be used f or washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system
has been prof essionally inspected and serv iced.
• Seek immediate m edical attention if you becom e injured or ill.
GET LOCAL PERMIT S BEFORE YOU REBUILD AFT ER STORMS
Getting building permits is necessary f or those with hom es or businesses dam aged by the storm s. Residents need
to know that permits are based on local codes and ordinances enf orced by the comm unity. Securing the correct
local building permit is the hom eowner’s responsibility. Those who agree to hav e their contractor secure a permit
on their behalf should f ollow up with building officials to verif y. Permits m ay be required f or repairs to roof s, walls,
siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets, flooring, electrical system s, plum bing and heating or air
conditioning system s. Call your local municipal planning department to get accurate and updated permits
and information.
Renov ation projects m ust m eet community building codes and ordinances, and serv e several purposes:
• Permits assure residents and comm unities that all proposed work com plies with current codes, standards
and recomm ended construction techniques.
• Local permit offices can provide suggestions and inf orm ation on how to protect hom es or businesses f rom
f uture disaster-related dam ages.
• Permit offices m ay also provide consum ers with inf ormation on selecting licensed contractors and with advice
on protecting them selv es f rom unscrupulous contractors.
FEMA is not a permit agency and does not give permission to rebuild or repair by providing a disaster grant, loan or
flood insurance claim. FEMA does not recomm end or endorse any contractors, and recov ery officials warn people to
be wary of any contractors who claim they are authorized by FEMA.
OTHER LONG TERM RECOVERY/RELATED ISSUES
2-1-1 Long Island –f or com prehensiv e inf ormation & ref erral services, 24/7 Visit www.211longisland.org
or Dial 2-1-1 or
1-888-774-7633
Disaster Distress Helpline Mental Health Assoc. NY City 1.800.985.5990
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Disaster Assistance Guide
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Nassau County
One Stop Em ploym ent and Training
Center
Hempstead Works
Hicksville
Massapequa
(516)934-8532
(516)934-8532
(516)934-8532
Nassau Suffolk Law Services
516-292-8100
Nassau Count y Departm ent of Social Services (516) 227-8519
Veterans’ Service Agency
516-572-8452
Office f or the Aging (516) 227-8900
Departm ent of Health (516) 227-9697
Emergencies:
(516) 742-6154
Consum er Affairs (516) 571-2600
Motor Vehicle Garden City, Massapequa,
Bethpage Offices
1-718-477-4820
Suffolk County
Suffolk County One Stop Em ploym ent and Training
Center
Main #
Hauppauge
Patchogue
(631)853-6600
(631)687-4800
(631)853-6600
Nassau Suffolk Law Services
631-232-2400
Suffolk County Departm ent of Social Services –
Commissioner’s Response Line
(631) 854-9100
Veterans’ Service Agency 631. 853. 8381
Office f or the Aging Hauppauge
Riverhead
(631)853-8200
(631)852-1420
Departm ent of Health (631) 853-3055
(631) 853-3005
(631) 854-0100
Consum er Affairs (631)853-4600
Motor Vehicle Hauppauge, Huntington, Medford,
Port Jefferson, Riverhead Offices
(718)477-4820
OTHER NYS REL ATED SERVICES
Child Abuse Hotline (800) 342-3720
Equal Em ploym ent Opportunity Commission (800) 669-4000
NYS Disabilit y Program (518) 474-6681
Occupational Safety of Health Admin (OSHA) (800) 321-6742
Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213
NYS Consum er Protection Board (800) 697-1220
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HELPFUL LINKS
Power outages
Residents are rem inded to report outages directly to the utilities.
• LIPA (to report or find out about electrical outages and to report downed power lines )1- 800-490-0075
• National Grid (gas emergency) 1-800-867-5222
• Freeport Electric Emergency Phone: 516–378–0146
• Rockville Centre Electric Emergency (24 hour): 516-766-5800.
• Greenport Electric: (631) 477-2385
• Nassau County Sewer and Storm Water Finance Authority 516-571-2090
• Suffolk County Water Authority (24 hour repair) 631-665-0663
T ransportation
• Buses:
Nassau: NICE Bus (516) 228-4000
Suffolk: Suffolk County Transit - Western Suffolk (631)852-4880; Eastern Suffolk (631)852-5200
• Paratransit
Nassau Able Ride: 516-228-4000
Suffolk SCAT: 631.738.1150
• LIRR
Nassau County Schedule & Fare Information (516) 822-LIRR
Suffolk County Schedule & Fare Information (631) 231-LIRR
FREE ADVICE OFFERED ON REDUCING DAMAGE FROM FUTURE DISASTERS
Mitigation ex perts f rom the Federal Em ergency Managem ent Agency (FEMA) will provide inf ormation on:
• Cleaning m old and mildew;
• Elevating electrical serv ices and appliances;
• Installing sewer back-flow v alv es;
• Rem oving and replacing drywall and insulation;
• Channeling water away f rom foundations;
• Repairing with water-resistant m aterials; and
• T he perm itting process required f or rebuilding.
More inf ormation on ways to protect your hom e f rom f uture disasters is av ailable at: www.f em a.gov (then click on
Recov er and Rebuild)
AVOID FR AUD, SC AMS IN THE WAKE OF HUR RICANE SANDY
New York residents are urged to be alert for potential fraud during recov ery and rebuilding eff orts f ollowing Hurricane
Sandy. Recently, residents have encountered a potential fraudster canv assing certain neighborhoods claiming to be a
“financial consultant” allegedl y doing a surv ey f or FEMA in a bid to obtain personal financial inf orm ation. Many
legitim ate persons -- insurance agents, FEMA Comm unit y Relations personnel, local inspectors and real contractors --
may have to v isit a storm -dam aged propert y. Survivors could, howev er, encounter people posing as inspectors,
gov ernm ent officials or contractors in a bid to obtain personal inf orm ation or collect paym ent f or repair work. Your best
strategy to protect yourself against f raud is to ask to see identification in all cases and to saf eguard your personal
financial inform ation.
All New Yorkers are rem inded that all FEMA em ployees and contractors wear a laminated photo identification -- a FEMA
shirt or jacket alone is not sufficient proof that som eone works f or FEMA.
� FEMA inspectors m ay require verification of identit y, but will not ask f or personal financial inf ormation
during a hom e inspection.
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� FEMA and U.S. Sm all Business Administration (SBA) staff nev er charge applicants f or disaster
assistance, inspections or f or help filling out applications.
� FEMA inspectors v erify dam age but do not recommend specif ic contractors.
Be suspicious of someone who:
• Has no physical address or proper identification
• W ants your personal financial inf orm ation
• Dem ands cash or f ull paym ent up f ront f or hom e repairs
• Urges you to borrow to pay f or repairs, then steers you to a specific lender or tries to act as an
interm ediary between you and a lender
• Asks you to sign som ething you hav e not had tim e to review.
To avoid scams:
• Question strangers and dem and to see identification
• Nev er give any personal f inancial inform ation to an unfamiliar person
• Nev er sign any docum ent without first reading it f ully. Ask f or an explanation of any term s or conditions you do
not understand
• Do your own research bef ore borrowing m oney f or repairs. Com pare quotes, repaym ent schedules and
rates. If they differ significantl y, ask why.
If you believe you are the v ictim of a scam or price gouging, contact local law enf orcem ent and report it to the New
York State Office of the Attorney General. Call the Consum er Helpline at 1-800-771-7755 or download a com plaint
form online at www.ag.ny.gov.
PL ANNING FOR YOUR PET IN THE EVENT OF DIS ASTER
If you are one of the millions of New Yorkers with a cat, dog or other com panion anim al, now is a good time to
start planning f or what to do with your pet in the ev ent of disaster. FEMA has team ed with the Am erican Society
for the Prev ention of Cruelty to Anim als, the American Kennel Club, the Am erican Veterinary Medical
Association and the Hum ane Societ y of the United States to develop these pet-preparedness guidelines.
Have a p et supply kit ready, including:
• Pet f ood f or three days in an airtight, waterproof container and bowls;
• W ater for three days;
• Pet m edicines and first aid supplies;
• Collar (with ID tags firmly secured), harness or sturdy leash.
• Im portant docum ents such as registration, adoption papers, v accination and m edical records in a plastic bag
or waterproof container;
• Trav el crate or other pet carrier;
• Cat litter, litter box, paper towels, newspapers, plastic trash bags and cleaning supplies;
• Photos of you and your pet together f or identification purposes;
• Fam iliar item s such as toys, treats and blankets.
Plan ahead for your p et:
• T he single m ost im portant thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them in the event that you
m ust ev acuate. Anim als lef t behind in a disaster can easily be lost or injured.
• If ev acuation is necessary, plan ahead where you will go. Consider f riends or f am ily outside the area who can
take in you and your pet. Other options m ay include a pet-friendly hotel or m otel. If your only ev acuation option
is a Red Cross or other publicly-run shelter, be aware that not all shelters are equipped or designed to accept
non- service anim als. Consider boarding your anim als at a kennel or veterinary hospital bef ore going to a
public shelter.
• Plan with neighbors, f riends or relatives to evacuate your pet f or you if you are unable to do so yourself . Talk
with them about your ev acuation plans and pet supply kit.
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• Consult your v eterinarian and consider “microchipping” your pet. These perm anent im plants m ay be
inv aluable if you and your pets are separated.
• Stay inf orm ed about what types of em ergencies are likely to aff ect your region. Be ready to f ollow
instructions from authorities on the scene.
After the disaster:
• Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landm arks and sm ells m ay have been changed by the disaster
and your pet could becom e disoriented or lost.
• Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into norm al routines as soon as possible and
be ready f or behavioral problem s that m ay result f rom the stress of the situation. If behavioral or health
problem s persist, talk to your vet.
Preparedness can be a lif esav er f or you and your pets. Plan ahead and leave no pets behind! For inf orm ation on
pet- friendl y accommodations in your area and disaster planning, visit http://www.ready.gov/pets and click on the
Pet Preparedness T oolkit link. More inf orm ation is av ailable at http://www.f em a.gov/plan/prepare/anim als.shtm.
PET FRIENDLY SHELTERS
In the event of evacuation the pet friendly shelters will be operational at the below listed locations.
First come basis. Pet owners should have a backup plan with a list of locations where they can evacuate with their pets
such as relatives or pet-friendly motels or hotels.
NASSAU COUNTY
Nassau County Mitchel Athletic Complex, Uniondale
Manhasset High School, 200 Memorial Place, Manhasset
SUFFOLK COUNTY SPCA
The Brentwood Recreational Center, 99 3rd Avenue, Brentwood NY
Suffolk Community College – Eastern Campus, Woodland Building, Riverhead/Speonk Rd., Riverhead NY
PET SAFE COALITION
Provides education to pet owners about disaster preparedness and provides emergency care and sheltering
through local animal hospitals and animal shelters.
(516)404-5513(516)404-5513
www.petsafecoalition.org
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