COUNTY AND FEMA BEGIN TO ASSESS STORM DAMAGE
Spano hopeful to get a federal disaster declaration within days

Cleanup Tips

Westchester County is hopeful that it will get a federal disaster declaration within the next few days, the key step in a process that would bring disaster grants and loans to businesses and residents that were devastated by this week’s storm.

Once the declaration comes from President Bush, officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will set up satellite offices in the county to assist with applications and announce a toll-free number for residents to call and launch a website.

“I have every expectation we will qualify for federal disaster declaration,” County Executive Andy Spano said. “As the process requires, I have put the formal request into Gov. Spitzer, who is forwarding it on to FEMA and then to the White House. Our communities, particularly the Sound Shore area, have been devastated. I am hopeful that the federal government will act quickly to bring needed aid to our residents and businesses who have had terrible losses.”

Once the federal disaster is declared, initial checks will go to those who have federal flood insurance, according to FEMA practices. County officials stressed it will be important that residents and businesses fill out all forms they are given to maximize the chances of grants as opposed to loans.

In the meantime, residents who suffered damage should hold on to photos and receipts that document the damage. And residents who have not called their insurance companies should do so immediately. If they are turned down for insurance reimbursement, residents should request a letter to that effect, as this will help with any claims via FEMA.

“It is extremely important to document your losses,” said Anthony W. Sutton, the commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services. “That will help the county provide each person, each community, each business with the help they need and are entitled to.”

Emergency Services has been working with local governments, police and fire departments, school districts, state and federal officials as well as Con Edison, the Red Cross and others to help the county recover from the historic floods. Emergency Services has organized conference calls to keep local, state and federal officials up to date.

Many county departments have been involved including emergency services, public safety, health, communications, public works, transportation, parks and Information Technology. In addition, through mutual aid agreements, fire safety teams from throughout the state.
Currently there are 20 such teams; at the height of the storm, there were 40.

Five damage assessment teams from the county, FEMA and the State Emergency Management Office were on the scene today to begin to assess damage to homes and businesses. Tomorrow, they will assess the storm’s impact on public infrastructure, including bridges, roads and culverts. Assessment began in the communities the most hard-hit, but all communities will be visited and assessed.

Residents who have had their power turned off by Con Ed for safety reasons due to floods must get their property certified as safe before power can be turned back on.

As information develops, the county will post updates on its website, www.westchestergov.com and will continue to use its many resources to communicate with local governments and the public. Information will be provided in English and Spanish.

In addition, the Health Department has posted on its website information about clean ups and safety. The website may be accessed by going to www.westchestergov.com/health. Here are some important things:

• Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Some canned foods may be salvageable. If the cans are dented or damaged, throw them away. Food contaminated by flood waters can cause severe infections.

If the power is out for less than 2 hours, then the food in your refrigerator and freezer will be safe to consume. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold for longer. If the power is out for longer than 2 hours, follow the guidelines at www.westchestergov.com/health.
• If your house is flooded, call your local municipality to ask if they are able to assist with pumping out the flood water. This is particularly important if there is evidence of raw sewage or oil in the flood water so that heavily contaminated flood waters are not pumped into the streets and storm drains.

• After flood water has been pumped out or receded, follow the guidelines listed below:

 Assume anything in contact with sewage is contaminated.
 Wash hands frequently.
 Discard items that cannot be disinfected and disinfect salvageable items in contact with sewage – a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water is a good disinfectant.
 Wear gloves and take extra precautions if you have cuts or sores.
 Wear waterproof rubber boots to keep feet dry.
 Keep children and animals out of the affected area.