Governor Eliot Spitzer announced (Sept. 7) that a major disaster declaration has been issued by the federal government to assist Brooklyn homeowners, renters and businesses that were adversely impacted by the severe storms and devastating tornado that swept through the greater metropolitan area on August 8.
“Last month, severe weather swept through the New York City area, tearing apart homes and disrupting lives,” Governor Spitzer said. “While state and city officials continue to do everything possible to assist in the recovery effort, today’s declaration will ensure that much needed federal assistance will be provided to Brooklyn residents in order to help make their lives whole again.”
Because of the federal disaster declaration, financial assistance will now be made available to homeowners, renters, and small businesses through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. This aid includes disaster unemployment assistance, Small Business Administration rebuilding loans, grants for rental assistance, and funding for home repairs and other disaster-related needs.
Individuals can register for federal disaster aid by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Those who are hearing or speech impaired may call 1-800-462-7585 for assistance. Phone lines are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Flood victims may also register for disaster assistance on-line at www.fema.gov.
Immediately following the August 8 storm, the Governor requested technical assistance from FEMA in the form of a joint preliminary damage assessment of the impact of the storm. Preliminary impact information from that rapid joint assessment of the three boroughs affected (Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens) indicates severe loss and damages to private property. The report noted that the storm caused destruction or severe damage to more than 1,500 residential homes and apartments, major sewage back up, and residential contamination from flooding.
Based on this assessment, Governor Spitzer asked the Bush Administration on August 20 that Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens be declared disaster areas so they could qualify for federal aid. As a result, on August 30 a similar federal disaster declaration was made for storm victims in Queens.
