President Declares Major Disaster to Aid N.Y. Recovery From Tropical Depression Ivan

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced over the weekend that President Bush has declared a major disaster for New York, opening the way for the use of federal disaster funds to help people recover from the effects of Tropical Depression Ivan.

Michael Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the President took the action following a review of FEMA’s analysis of the state’s request for federal assistance. The declaration covers damage to private property from the tropical depression that occurred over the period of Sept. 16-24.

After the declaration, Brown designated the counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster eligible for federal aid to stricken residents that can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses. Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration also will be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance.

In addition, Brown said federal funding will be available to the state on a cost-shared basis for approved projects that reduce future disaster risks. He indicated that additional designations may be made later if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Theodore Monette of FEMA was named by Brown to coordinate federal recovery operations. Monette said that affected residents and business owners in the designated counties can begin the disaster application process by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

As a result of the intense hurricane activity, FEMA’s toll-free teleregistration line reportedly received twice as many calls this past month than any previous month in the history of the agency. Additional call centers and registrars have been added, but the volume remains extremely high. Callers are advised that if they get a busy signal, to please be patient and try the call again later.

FEMA is asking the public’s assistance in managing call volume to support the agency’s effort to prioritize help to those with the greatest need. Owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first.

Hurricane victims with insurance coverage should contact their insurance company or agent before calling to report losses and, if necessary, to request an advance or partial payment of their settlement.