Disaster Assistance
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 Disaster Assistance Information
from the Office of Westchester County Executive Andrew J. Spano

For Homeowners, Renters and Businesses
in Westchester County, New York
as well as Orange, Putnam,  and Rockland Counties
with serious damage caused by tropical storm FLOYD

APPLY BY PHONE:
1-800-462-9029 or 1-800-462-7585
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
CALL between 7 a.m. and midnight, 7 days a week

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano announced on September 20, 1999, that the county, in cooperation with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the State's Office of Emergency Management, will be setting up a call-in center and an informational website to help residents and businesses apply for federal disaster aid.

Due to high winds and flooding from Tropical Storm Floyd, Spano declared a state of emergency Thursday night north of Interstate 287. On Saturday, September 18th, a Presidential emergency was declared in Westchester, making public agencies in the county eligible for emergency aid.  Sunday night, September 19th, the President declared Westchester a disaster area, clearing the way for residents and businesses to receive emergency aid.

Under the FEMA disaster assistance program, residents and businesses are eligible for grants to repair structural damage and to replace only essential items such as refrigeration, heating etc. They are also eligible to apply for loans through the Small Business Administration. And there is a special grant program for those of limited means.

Spano said that before applying for aid residents should take the following steps:

  • Assess the damage to their homes and businesses and get cost estimates for repairs and determine replacement value of objects lost.
  • Document damage with photographs, list of items lost or damaged and collect receipts.
  • Contact insurance company to determine the extent of coverage.

For those who are infirm or incapable of collecting documentation, the Red Cross will be providing assistance.
The American Red Cross can be reached at 946-6500.

In the meanwhile, residents are being asked to contact the Federal Emergency Management Telephone registration hotline at 1-800-462-9029 or 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are toll-free and operate from 7 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week. Residents will be given a special case number to help them follow up on their calls.

To start the application process, residents will be asked to provide:

  • Name
  • Proof of residency such as tax bill, rent receipt, utility bill.
  • Current and pre-emergency address and phone number.
  • Copy of Insurance coverage and name of insurance agent.

Within 3 to 10 days of application, residents can expect an on-site inspection of their property.

For more information, contact the County's Office of Disaster and Emergency Services at 285-2027.  Further announcements will be made through the local media.