News Items (10/30/12)

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Sandy could cost WTC site billions in damages

 

Cuomo assesses damage of WTC site

 

NY1 Exclusive: Cuomo Views Secured WTC Site Before Sandy Strikes

 

Downtown towers assess damage

 

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Given the severe flooding many communities have experienced, individuals are encouraged to visit

FloodSmart.gov for important tools, tips and guidance for recovery after a flood. FloodSmart is the official Website of the National Flood Insurance Program. Since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, it's important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. To learn more about floods, flood insurance or how to file a claim, visit Floodsmart.gov today.

Power Outages

Power utility providers are in the process of restoring power – which is expected to take several days in some areas. Tips to remember during a power outage:

• If using a portable generator during a power outage, it should always be operated outside, away from doors and windows to avoid dangerous carbon monoxide.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.
• Avoid plugging emergency generators into electric outlets or hooking them directly to your home's electrical system - they can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you and line workers in danger.
• When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances, to help eliminate problems that could occur if there's a sharp increase in demand. If you think electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call your local power company.

Disaster Assistance

As we continue to keep you informed about our response and support efforts, we want to ensure you know how to apply for federal assistance:

1. Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

2. Register through a web-enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov.

3. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

In addition to these three ways to apply, you can also visit a disaster recovery center in their area and search for disaster recovery centers on their smartphone.

The American Red Cross has also mobilized hundreds of its disaster workers, readying shelters and coordinating efforts with community partners in affected states. To find an open Red Cross shelter, download the Red Cross Hurricane app or visit www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter.

You may also search for shelters through FEMA by texting SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). Before you go to a shelter, always check with your local emergency management agency for availability & services.

Volunteer or Donate

After disaster strikes, many around the country want to offer their support in whatever way they can, so we will continue to get the word out about where you can volunteer or donate to help disaster survivors. Be wary of scam artists that show up after a disaster as well, and be familiar with these tips.

Key Efforts

Along with its federal partners, FEMA is working closely with state, local and tribal governments on response efforts and is concurrently beginning recovery operations to support those affected individuals and communities.

Additionally:

• FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams and liaison officers have been deployed to affected states along the East Coast.
• FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers have positioned material and other critical infrastructure assets throughout the area.
• FEMA has also moved 600,000 liters of water and more than 495,000 meals to strategic points around the northeast and mid-Atlantic states, where they can be distributed by state and local officials.

Useful links

Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed.

• On your computer: http://www.ready.gov/ and http://www.listo.gov/.
• On your phone: The FEMA mobile site (http://m.fema.gov/), smartphone app (www.fema.gov/smartphone-app), and text messages (www.fema.gov/text-messages) also provide regular updates.
• On Twitter: www.twitter.com/fema
• On Facebook: www.facebook.com/fema
• Other sites: www.fema.gov/blog and www.youtube.com/fema

Community preparedness tools and resources

• Community Preparedness Toolkit: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/toolkit/kitindex.shtm
• Citizen Corps Program: http://www.citizencorps.gov/index.shtm
• Youth Preparedness: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/youth/youthindex.shtm
• Business Preparedness: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/business.shtm
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors: http://www.citizencorps.gov/getstarted/neighborshelpingneighbors.shtm

We want to hear your suggestions on how we can improve our communications to you, be sure to email us at citize...@dhs.gov.