Hurricane Sandy

The entire federal family continues to lean forward to support the states, tribes and communities in their ongoing response efforts as they work to save lives. We also continue to work with the entire emergency management team, including with our state, tribal and local partners, the voluntary and faith-based community, the private sector, and we continue to encourage the public to be safe and listen to the direction of their state, tribal and local officials.

We understand that those who are anxious to return home following the storm, but we are asking for everyone to be patient and to wait for directions from their tribal and local officials.  There may be hazardsthat prevent you from being able to return home such as downed power lines, road closures, roads or bridges that are impassable, and traffic lights not working. 

In addition to the updates on this page, visit our blog.

Learn more about the disaster process and FEMA's disaster aid programs

For Disaster Survivors

• Registering for Assistance: survivors in declared counties inNew York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can register for assistance.  Learn more: information and FAQs before you applyfor assistance.
• Shelters: for those who are unable to return home, states, tribes, localities and the Red Cross continue to operate emergency shelters along the East Coast.
  • Download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check local media outlets.
  • Download the FEMA smartphone app.
  • To search for shelters via text message, text: SHELTER andyour zip code to 43362 (4FEMA). For example: Shelter 01234 (Standard rates apply).
• Recovery Tips: ensuring your safety and coping with disasters

For Those Who Want to Help

• Cash is best: the best way to support survivors of Hurricane Sandy is to make a financial contribution to trusted organization. Please read these tips on donating and volunteering responsibly.
• Give blood: numerous blood drives have been canceled as a result of the storm and the Red Cross has a need for blood donations. To schedule a blood donation or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Additional info on volunteering and donating responsibly.

Rumor Control

There is a lot of misinformation circulating on social networks. Check here for an on-going list of rumors and their true or false status.

• November 3: There have been recent blog posts and social media traffic expressing that FEMA is out of bottled water.  This is FALSE.  We are providing water to our state partners for distribution.
  
  For New York locations and times of food and water distribution centers and daytime warming centers, visit www.nyc.gov.
• November 3: There have been calls and posts from citizens related to the failure of the Old Bridge Township water system in Old Bridge, New Jersey. This is FALSE. The Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority (OBMUA) has reported that the water system is stable and safe and that there are no usage restrictions currently in place.
• November 3: Food stamps being given out to residents of New York and New Jersey as a part of FEMA assistance. This is FALSE. For information on the types of assistance available to those impacted by Sandy, call 1-800-621-FEMA.
• November 2: There is a spike of traffic related to FEMA hiring cleanup crews in both New York and New Jersey. This is FALSE. For information on how you can volunteer in these communities visit Serve.gov/sandy