Thanksgiving Message from County Executive Bellone
“This is a time for coming together with our families and as a community to be thankful for what we have but to also offer our support to those who are still struggling in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy. I want to extend my best wishes to Suffolk County’s 1.5 million residents. In the face of this unprecedented national disaster, I will begin my Thanksgiving day giving thanks for the courage, and community spirit I have witnessed during the past three weeks. I wish all a blessed Thanksgiving.”
New Information: NEW Super Storm Sandy Guide for Small Business Resources (PDF)
Available Online; and Super Storm Sandy Unemployment Assistance
Also Make Note: SCWA Updates: Offering FREE Well Testing for Residents Impacted by Super Storm Sandy
Call 2-1-1 for Access to FEMA Sheltering & Temporary Power Program (STEP) (PDF)
HOTLINE: Suffolk’s Office of Emergency Management Hotline staffed 8:00a.m. & 5:00p.m. (631) 852-4900 for information and assistance on disaster-related issues.
NEW Super Storm Sandy Guide for Small Business Resources Available Online (PDF)
The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning has created a Resource Guide for small businesses impacted by Super Storm Sandy. There are numerous local, county, state, and federal FINANCIAL, TECHNICAL, and EMPLOYEE programs in place in Suffolk County to assist your business in recovering from Super Storm Sandy. The Resource Guide is available online at http://scoem.suffolkcountyny.gov in both html and pdf formats. In addition, business owners can speak directly with a representative from Suffolk County by calling (631) 853-5751-Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00pm. Spanish speaking representatives are also available.
Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) through NYS Department of Labor
This federal program administered by the NYS Department of Labor can provide payments to people who have lost work or income due to Super Storm Sandy. Laid-off employees must apply by February 4, 2013. Eligibility requirements for DUA are broader than for collecting regular unemployment.
Here are some examples of circumstances that may make you eligible for either UI or DUA:
- You were injured in the disaster and are unable to work.
- Your workplace was damaged or destroyed.
- You can’t get to your workplace because of the disaster.
- You were about to begin work, but could not because of the disaster.
- You are now the breadwinner or major support for a household because the former head of household died in the disaster.
- You are out of work because the federal government took over or closed the facility where you worked.
- Most of your income comes from the counties declared to be federal disaster areas and your business is down due to the disaster.
Call 1-888-209-8124 or go to http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/disaster-unemployment-assistance.shtm
Suffolk County Water Authority Announcement
SCWA Offering FREE Well Testing to Those Impacted by Sandy
The Suffolk County Water Authority announced today that it would provide free well testing in its service area to Suffolk County residents using private wells who want to make sure their water supply has not been compromised by Super Storm Sandy.
SCWA Chairman James F. Gaughran said the program will be extended for one month, from November 20 through December 20, to allow Suffolk homeowners in communities that suffered extensive storm damage sufficient time to take care of their other priorities. In addition, tthe time period will be extended indefinitely for anyone who has not returned to their homes by December 20. Tests would be conducted to make sure that private wells have not been contaminated by bacteria, fuels or chlorides via saltwater intrusion during the storm.
Suffolk residents interested in having their water tested free call (631) 698-9500.
Once water samples have been taken, results will be available as soon as possible.
New-Suffolk County Water Authority Update: Water Supply is Safe to Drink For Nearly All of Fire Island
The Suffolk County Water Authority announced today that the water supply is safe to drink in all Fire Island communities served by SCWA with the exception of Davis Park.
SCWA workers have completed all testing on water supplies other than in Davis Park and determined the water to be safe to drink. As noted in a release two weeks ago, water in all other communities served by SCWA had already been restored for fire protection and toilet use. SCWA workers are moving west to east to restore water suitable for drinking to all Fire Island communities as quickly as possible.
Fire Island, which was impacted severely by Super Storm Sandy, was the only area in SCWA’s service territory to incur significant service interruptions as a result of the storm.
Returning Fire Island residents, other than residents of Davis Park, are advised to run their water for ten to fifteen minutes before drinking as a precautionary measure. Davis Park residents, until further notice, should only use their water for fire protection and toilet use.
Fire Island residents with any questions about their water should call the SCWA call center at (631) 698-9500.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.
FEMA STEP PROGRAM / 211 Call Center Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program /Suffolk Residents [PDF]
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with state, local and tribal partners, is implementing a Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program to help people get back into their homes quickly and safely.
STEP assists State, local and tribal governments in performing work and services essential to saving lives, protecting public health and safety, and protecting property. The program funds certain necessary and essential measures to help restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences that could regain power through necessary and essential repairs. STEP can help residents safely shelter-in-place in their homes pending more permanent repairs.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Assistance Centers will be OPEN Thanksgiving, 9:00 a.m. – Noon. INCLUDING Lindenhurst Center. Regular Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Seven Days a Week, except for the shortened Thanksgiving Day schedule.
In an effort to provide easy access to a variety of local and federal benefits and services, County Executive Bellone has established five emergency Disaster Recovery Assistance Centers in collaboration with FEMA where residents can go for information about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. FEMA representatives are on hand to assist residents in filling out FEMA applications, answer any questions and provide lists of resources. Additionally, there are also Small Business representatives, as well as representatives of other County and State departments providing services to disaster survivors, including County representatives from the offices of the Departments of Health, Economic Development, Labor, Social Services, and Transitional Housing.
Suffolk County Department of Health Services
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) has collected and analyzed approximately 145 samples from various public water supply systems throughout Suffolk County to ensure the bacteriological quality of the county’s drinking water. All major public water supply systems, serving a population of approximately 1,364,000 on the mainland of Suffolk County, have not reported any service disruptions and the water has been safe for potable use throughout the duration of the storm and its aftermath.
Immediately following the storm, water supplied by 29 small water supply systems was deemed not safe for consumption due to potential water service disruption that increases risk from contaminants such as bacteria. Residents served by these systems, most of them on Fire Island, were advised to avoid using tap water directly for potable purposes until further notice. In the interim, recommended alternatives included certified bottled water or, where possible, bringing water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. To date 23 boil-water advisories have been lifted. There are currently four water systems that are still under boil water advisories. SCDHS is in the process of notifying system operators and attempting to collect follow-up samples. For additional information, residents should contact their water suppliers or SCDHS at:
(631) 852-5810. (Note: This is a NEW contact number for residents to call re: water supply questions.)
Suffolk Department of Health Services Offering FREE Vaccination Clinics at FEMA DRCs this week. See most updated schedule below. Please see NEW hours for this week through 11/25 for the SCDHS Free Adult Vaccination Clinics at the Disaster Recovery Assistance Centers.
FREE Tetanus and Influenza immunizations will be provided for first responders, volunteers and personnel responding to storm aftermath, and residents who have been affected by Super Storm Sandy. This week’s immunization schedule at the DRCs for adults only is listed below. Please check the schedule as days and hours vary by site.
In addition, later in this update, please see schedule for “Shots for Tots” Program providing immunization for children. The DHS will also offer tetanus and influenza immunizations for adults at the “Shots for Tots” sites.
H. Lee Dennison – 100 Vet’s Highway, Hauppauge
SC Vaccine Hours
Friday / 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Islip Town Annex – 400 Main Street, Islip
SC Vaccine Hours
Tuesday / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Friday / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday / 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Lindenhurst Public Library – 1 Lee Street, Lindenhurst
SC Vaccine Hours
Tuesday / 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Friday / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday / 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday / 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mastic Recreation Center – 15 Herkimer St, Mastic
SC Vaccine Hours
Tuesday / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday / 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Suffolk County Center – 300 Center Drive, Riverhead
SC Vaccine Hours
Wednesday / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday / 9:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Suffolk Department of Health Services (DHS)”Shots for Tots” Adds TWO NEW DATES in December
Immunization Clinics for Children are available FREE of charge to those uninsured and underinsured families through the Suffolk County Department of Health Services “Shots for Tots” progam. This program provides all CDC recommended immunizations to children. Please bring your child’s immunization record with you.
SCDHS is also offering tetanus and influenza immunizations at these venues to adults affected by Super Storm Sandy who are uninsured or under insured.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Longwood Public Library
3:00 – 6:15 p.m.
800 Middle Country Road
Middle Island, New York 11953
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sachem Library
3:00 – 6:15 p.m.
150 Holbrook Road
Holbrook, New York 11741
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
9 Clinton Ave. & Main St.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Middle Country Library
3:00 – 6:15 p.m
575 Middle Country Road
Selden, NY 11784
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Pronto of Long Island
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
128 Pine Aire Drive
Bay Shore, New York 11706
NEW DATE: Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Pronto of Long Island
9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
128 Pine Aire Drive
Bay Shore, New York 11706
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Longwood Public Library
3:00 – 6:15 p.m.
800 Middle Country Road
Middle Island, New York 11953
NEW DATE: Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Pronto of Long Island
9:30 – 2:30 p.m.
128 Pine Aire Drive
Bay Shore, New York 11706
A Recap of Other Important FEMA Information
Super Storm Sandy Survivors Should Return SBA Disaster Loan Applications to Keep Options Open
NEW YORK — Federal Emergency Management Agency grants are not the only disaster assistance option for Hurricane Sandy survivors. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s low-interest disaster loan program is another important source of assistance for homeowners, renters and businesses.
While some people prefer to avoid borrowing money to cover disaster-related expenses, additional unforeseen costs can arise down the road, leaving them without enough money to cover all expenses.
Additional financial gaps that may occur include:
- Insurance not covering all repair or rebuilding costs;
- Discovering disaster-related damage costs are more than the initial estimate; and
- Finding additional damages.
For additional information please visit http://www.fema.gov/news-release/hurricane-sandy-survivors-should-return-sba-disaster-loan-applications-keep-options
What To Expect During a FEMA Housing Inspection
After you register, one of the more than 2,000 FEMA Housing Inspectors on the ground will contact you to schedule an appointment to come see the damaged property if it is accessible. The inspection generally takes 30-40 minutes but can be shorter, and consists of a general inspection of damaged areas of your home and a review of your records. This is important: there is no fee for the inspection.
When a FEMA housing inspector comes to visit your home, be sure they show you proper identification. If they do not show you photo identification, then do not proceed with the inspection. Unfortunately, disasters often bring out criminals who prey on the needs of disaster survivors – so beware of scams and scam artists.
It’s important to note that throughout the recovery process, applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector. In addition to FEMA housing inspectors, representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as state and local officials could also visit neighborhoods in affected areas, so don’t be alarmed if you receive a visit from more than one inspector.
If you suspect someone of posing as a FEMA inspector, call our toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or your local law enforcement officials.
When a FEMA Housing Inspector visits your home, someone 18 years of age or older who lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment. The inspector will ask to see:
- Photo Identification.
- Proof of Ownership/Occupancy of damaged residence (Structural Insurance, Tax Bill, Mortgage Payment Book/Utility Bill).
- Insurance documents: Home and/or Auto (Structural Insurance/Auto Declaration Sheet).
- List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.
- All disaster related damages to both real and personal property.
Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA and you will receive a letter, or email if you signed up for E-Correspondence, outlining the decision:
- If you qualify for a FEMA grant, FEMA will send you a check by mail or deposit it directly into your bank account. You will also receive a letter describing how you are to use the money. You should only use the money given to you as explained in the letter and save receipts on how you spent the money.
- If you do not qualify for a FEMA grant, you will receive a letter explaining why you were turned down and will be given a chance to appeal the decision. Your appeal rights will be described in this letter. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of FEMA’s decision.
- If you’re referred to the Small Business Administration, you will receive a SBA application. The application must be completed and returned in order to be considered for a loan as well as certain types of grant assistance. SBA representatives are available to help you with the application at local Disaster Recovery Centers. Completing and returning the loan application does not mean that you must accept the loan.
Again, the first step in receiving assistance is registering for assistance with FEMA. So if you’re a Hurricane Sandy survivor and you haven’t registered yet, we encourage you to take advantage of our many ways to register for assistance:
FEMA Denials
Residents who applied for assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA) may have received letters from FEMA stating their application has been denied.
The denial letters are based on information given at the time of application or inspection and may not be the final decision. The main reasons why residents may receive a denial letter are either the home sustained insufficient damage or the home had insurance.
Applicants may not be eligible for housing assistance simply because, at the time of inspection, more information was needed. Applicants need not be discouraged. The denial letter is not the final word. Also, more than one form of housing assistance may still be available.
In any case, if the applicant does not agree with the decision, they have the right to appeal within 60 days of the denial letter, explain in writing why they disagree with FEMA’s decision and provide any new or additional information and documents supporting their appeal.
The Helpline is the same number you used to register: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you were denied assistance, because you were insured, consider calling FEMA after your insurance claim is settled.
By law, FEMA cannot duplicate what insurance already covers, or pay deductibles. However, in some cases, they may be able to help, up to the extent of program limits. The only way to know is to register at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). If you receive a letter from FEMA stating that a claim for federal assistance has been deemed ineligible because of insurance you should contact your insurance agent and request a settlement letter.
Questions regarding flood insurance policies are handled through the National Flood Insurance Program Helpline at 1-800-638-6620.
Regardless of the status of the denial letter for Housing Assistance, applicants may still be eligible for low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other state and federal programs including disaster unemployment assistance, legal aid, crisis counseling, USDA food stamp assistance, USDA rural housing and veteran assistance.
EPA, State & County: Household Hazardous Waste Pickup & Drop-Off in Suffolk
- Contact: John Martin (646) 592 – 1425, martin.johnj@epa.gov
- Elias Rodriguez (732) 672 – 5520, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Suffolk County will collect and properly dispose of potentially hazardous common household products from flood-damaged homes in Suffolk County. Beginning on Nov. 12, people in affected homes may bring household products, including solvents, paints, cleaners, oil, propane tanks, batteries, petroleum products, weed/bug killers, car batteries, bleach and ammonia, to one of four drop-off locations. In addition, starting on Nov. 12, residents of surrounding towns can put waste products on the curb for pickup. The drop-off and pickup locations are listed below:
- Venetian Shores Park, 801 Granada Parkway, Lindenhurst, NY
- Islip Multipurpose Recycling Facility, 1155 Lincoln Avenue, Holbrook, NY
- Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1 Hammond Street, Patchogue, NY
- Highway Barn, 1177 Osborn Road, Riverhead, NY
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