Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that #Westchester and #Rockland counties have been added to the Major Disaster declaration. Both counties have been designated for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Category A and B, as well as DFA Direct Federal Assistance. #NYGov. Cuomo Residents should follow the steps in After #Sandy: Recovery 101 to access assistance.
Our friend Ali Gheith, MS, CEM, (Coordinator of Population Based Resilience at the Office of Mental Health Disaster Preparedness & Response, NYC Dept. Of Health And Mental Hygiene) sent us these helpful tip sheets:
Please help communicate the information provided in these sheets to the people you are serving. One additional tip:
Don’t forget to take care of yourselves. These are stressful times and we have lots of people depending on us. We won’t be any good to them if we aren’t functioning at a high level.
For additional information contact Ali at agheith@health.nyc.gov.
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for New York.
Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:
Assistance for the State and Affected Tribal and Local Governments Can Include as Required: (JCRC comment: probably available to some nonprofits)
How to Apply for Assistance:
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The costs associated with Sandy will run into the billions.As we assess the damage from the storm it is reassuring to know that help is on the way.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of New York and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy beginning on October 27, 2012, and continuing.
The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals and some organizations in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk, and Queens counties. If your county is not listed, don’t give up hope. Sometimes the disaster declaration is expanded. As we receive more information we’ll send it out.
As the result of the designation, individuals residing in the designated counties can qualify for assistance that can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Governments and some nonprofits can receive partial reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Sandy.
The federal assistance is for the reimbursement of covered and documented expenses. You don’t have to wait to begin your repairs, just document the damage (pictures are helpful) keep a careful record of your outlays (e.g., staff time, contractors, equipment, purchases, etc.).
If you think that you, your business or your organization are eligible, begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Remember, FEMA aid is for uninsured and underinsured expenses. Start the recovery process by contacting your insurance carrier.
JCRC-NY worked closely with FEMA during last year’s blizzard and Irene. We will be getting out information and coordinating with leaders in the most-affected communities to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
A very large and dangerous Hurricane Sandy is expected to make landfall along the central N.J. coast later this evening or tonight, bringing high winds and storm surges. The National Weather Service notes that current conditions will allow Sandy to maintain or increase in intensity (it has already surpassed the previous record holder — the infamous “Long Island Clipper” of 1938), with winds. from the east at 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 80 mph.
Higher gusts up to 85 mph possible along south facing shorelines. Strongest winds are expected this afternoon and evening. Many areas are already flooded hour before landfall and a 6-11 foot storm surge is possible. The highest storm surge is predicted for the Long Island Sound and Raritan Bay. Areas of concern include:
The National Weather Service advises that surge may not be timed with high tide. Peak surge will occur when the storm’s center passes south of NYC. Water will be elevated for a prolonged period of time, possibly up to 24 hours, and return to normal levels Tuesday or Tuesday night.
Power outages could be widespread (already tens of thousands of homes in New Jersey and on Long Island are without power) and last at least several days. Debris will block some roads. Homes may have damage to shingles, siding, gutters and windows –especially if these items are not properly secured. Loose outdoor items will become airborne, causing additional damage and possible injury. Windows in high rise buildings could be broken by flying debris.
UPDATE – REGIONAL TRAFFIC – 1400 HOURS
The size and track of Sandy leads the experts and government officials to conclude that it will be dangerous. The heavy wind and rains increase the likelihood of flooding, fallen trees, blocked roads and power outages, so weather conditions should be closely monitored. Do not take this storm lightly. Monitor its progress and follow the guidance provided by Governor Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg and/or your County Executive.
Mandatory Evacuation. In New York City, low-lying areas include: Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, and Red Hook and other areas along the East River in Brooklyn; all of the Rockaways, and also Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel in Queens; almost all the coastal areas of Staten Island; City Island, a small patch of Throgs Neck, and other patches of the South Bronx; and Battery Park City and stretches of the West Side waterfront and of the Lower East Side and East Village in Manhattan. Those living outside of NYC should check the Nassau (including evacuation routes), Suffolk or Westchester emergency websites.
Transportation. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin the orderly suspension of all subway, bus and commuter railroad service at 7 p.m. Sunday to protect customers, employees and equipment from the approach of Hurricane Sandy.
The New York City subway system will begin to curtail service after 7 p.m., and the New York City bus system within the following two hours. Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road will start their final trains by 7 p.m. Subway and railway stations will be closed after the last trains.
Depending on the impact of the storm, officials may close bridges and tunnels to traffic.
Schools. Due to anticipated severe weather conditions from Hurricane Sandy, all New York City public schools will be closed to students Monday, October 29. Administrative offices will be open. All after-school activities and Public Schools Athletic League events will also be cancelled. We are asking that school staff and employees assigned to a shelter site to report to their posts.
A determination about whether schools will open on Tuesday will be made on Monday, so please continue to monitor the news and nyc.gov for updates to the City’s preparations and response.
Most non-public schools follow the lead of the public schools and will be closed. Parents should check with their children’s schools for a final determination. Many universities and colleges announced that they will be closed on Monday.
Forecast. As of 2:00 PM on Sunday the National Weather Service forecast for NYC:
The JCRC-NY recommends:
The forecasters are crunching a lot of data, but there is the possibility of a sprawling storm at the beginning of next week.
It is unlikely that this storm will have the same impact as last year’s, Irene. However, there is the likelihood of heavy rains, high winds and downed trees. There’s no reason to panic, but what should you be doing now?
Yes, hurricanes can strike the New York area.
An “active to extremely active” hurricane season is expected for the Atlantic Basin this year according to the seasonal outlook issued today by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center – a division of the National Weather Service. As with every hurricane season, this outlook underscores the importance of having a hurricane preparedness plan in place. Forecasters anticipate the following to affect the Atlantic Basin:
To get more information (including an overview and NY area historic patterns and conditions), view an excellent presentation by I. Ross Dickman, Meteorologist-in-charge, NOAA’s National Weather Service, New York, NY office.
For preparation planning tips, see information from NYC, Nassau (including evacuation routes), Suffolk and Westchester.