April 24, 2007

County Declared Federal Disaster Area for Local Residents, Businesses

Residents can apply for federal funds to cover storm damage; FEMA still reviewing whether municipalities and schools will qualify for disaster aid

Go to the website for more information

President Bush has declared Westchester County along with Rockland and Orange counties as a federal disaster area following last week’s storm, meaning that local residents and businesses can start applying for the federal aid that is so badly needed to begin rebuilding.

The declaration at this point applies to only individuals and businesses that suffered damage from the storm. County officials have been told that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is still reviewing damage to public facilities – including governments and schools -- to determine if they qualify for a federal disaster declaration.

"That's great news,’’ said County Executive Andy Spano. “So many of our residents and businesses are in dire need of immediate help.” He added that he remains very optimistic that a similar declaration will be forthcoming that will cover damage suffered by municipalities and school districts.

To apply for aid, storm victims will need to take the following steps:

1) Contact your insurance company: If you are NOT covered for the storm damage by your insurance company, you may be eligible for federal aid. You will need to obtain a letter from your insurance company saying you are not covered for damage from the storm.

2) Apply for FEMA aid: As part of the aid process, FEMA will set up Disaster Recovery Centers where victims may apply for aid or get information about disaster assistance programs. Those centers have not been designated as yet, but information will be forthcoming
Residents can also register for aid online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY- call TTY: 1-800-462-7585).

In addition to having a pen and paper, please have the following information ready to give to the person who takes your call:

• Your Social Security number and the county's local designation area number which is #1692
• A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.
• Insurance information.
• Directions to your damaged property.
• A telephone number where you can be contacted.

After you apply here is what will happen:

Inspection: If an inspection is required to process your application, an inspector will contact you to make an appointment to visit your property and assess the damage about 10 days after you have applied for help.
Decision. Within about 10 days of the inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter from FEMA informing you of the decision on your request for help.

• If you are eligible for help, the letter will be followed by a U.S. Treasury/State check or there will be a transfer of cash to your bank account. The letter will explain what the money can be used to pay for. You should use the money given to you as explained in the letter. |
• If you are not eligible for help, the letter will give the reason for the decision. You will be informed of your appeal rights in the letter from FEMA.
• If you were referred to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for help from the SBA Disaster Assistance Program, you will receive a SBA application.

For the latest update, visit www.westchestergov.com or visit www.fema.gov for more information about applying for aid.

Westchester County is working with local non-profit agencies to set up a charitable fund for storm victims as well. In addition, the county’s Department of Social Services will be in Mamaroneck on Monday, April 30 and Tuesday, May 1 at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at 168 W. Boston Post Road between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to help families apply for emergency aid.

The county will also again open a waste transfer stations this Saturday to accommodate more trash pick-ups.  Five local communities – Mamaroneck (town and village), Larchmont, New Rochelle and Pelham Manor – scheduled extra pick ups last Saturday and will do so again this Saturday to take advantage of this special opening.

Residents in participating communities put out carpet and base padding, furniture, clothing, bedding including mattresses and regular garbage curbside for removal. A total of 10,000 tons were picked up during the week in the storm aftermath and 800 tons were picked up last Saturday.

People affected by the storm who need help should call 2-1-1 or for cable phone subscribers call 1-800-899-1479.