Bush Declares Westchester County Federal Disaster Area; Federal Funding Available to Local Residents and Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2007

Contact: Laura Siegel at (914) 995-2802 or LauraS@westchesterlegislators.com

Yesterday, President Bush declared Westchester County a federal disaster area following last week’s storm, which mean local residents and businesses can start applying for federal aide to begin rebuilding.  At this point, the declaration applies only to  individuals and businesses that suffered damage from the storm.  County Officials have been told that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is still reviewing damage to public facilities -- including governments and schools – to determine if they qualify for a federal disaster declaration.

“That’s great news,” said County Executive Andy Spano.  “So many of our residents and businesses  are in dire need of immediate help.”  He added that he remains very optimistic that a similar declaration will be forthcoming that will cover damage suffered by municipalities and school districts.

To apply for aide, storm victims will need to take the following steps:

 

• Contact your insurance company:  If you are NOT covered for the storm damage by your insurance company, you may be eligible for federal aid.  You will need to obtain a letter from your insurance company stating that you are not covered from damage from the storm.
• Apply for  FEMA aid:  As part of the aid process, FEMA will set up Disaster Recovery Centers where victims may apply for aid or get information about disaster assistance programs.  Those centers have not been designated yet, but information will be forthcoming.   Residents can also register for aid online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY – call TTY: 1-800-462-7585)

 

In addition to having a pen and paper, please have the following information ready to give the person who takes your call:

?  Your Social Security Number.

?  A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.

? Insurance Information

? Directions to your damaged property.

? A telephone number where you can be contacted.

After you apply here is what will happen:

Inspection:  If an inspection is required to process your application, an inspector will contact you to make an appointment to visit your property and assess the damage about 10 days after you have applied for help.

Decision:  Within about 10 days of the inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter from FEMA informing you of the decision on your request for help.  (MORE)

?  If you are eligible for help, the letter will be followed by a U.S. Treasury/State Check or there will be a transfer of cash to your bank account.  The letter will explain what the money can be used to pay for.  You should use the money given to you as explained in the letter.

?  If you are not eligible for help, the letter will give the reason for the decision.  You will be informed of your appeal rights in the letter  will from FEMA.

If you were referred to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for help from the SBA Disaster Program, you will receive a SBA application.

For the latest update, visit www.westchestergov.com or visit www.fema.gove for more information about applying for aid.