Federal disaster aid will be available for homeowners, renters and small businesses in Suffolk County as a result of damages incurred by Hurricane Irene, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office announced on Friday.
Residents and municipalities are eligible for several relief programs: individual assistance, which is for individuals, renters and households with documented, non-insured losses up to $30,200; public assistance, which is for local governments and not-for-profits, and is for debris removal, emergency protective actions, and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities; and a hazard mitigation grant program, which is for governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
Other available programs include Small Business Administration low-cost disaster loans, which include uninsured mobile homes but not vacation homes, pleasure boats or recreational vehicles; disaster unemployment assistance; a disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program; and crisis counseling, among others.
Residents and small businesses that have suffered losses from Hurricane Irene should register as soon as possible by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency at (800) 621-3362, or online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use Text Telephone are asked to call (800) 462-7585.
The toll-free numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice, officials said.
Colleen Reynolds on Sep 2, 2011