Updated information included: American Red Cross Fixed Food Distribution Sites; New Immunization Schedules, Thanksgiving Schedule for FEMA Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers, Suffolk County Health Department Info on Residential Oil Spills and Flooding; FEMA Information on SBA Disaster Loan Applications.
American Red Cross Toll Free Number to Call for Food Distribution Sites, Shelters & Other Red Cross Assistance
Those needing information about emergency sheltering can seek assistance and placement through the Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS) representatives at any of the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) (see list below), or by calling 1 (877)733–2767. This (800) number operated by the Greater NY chapter of the American Red Cross also provides information for ARC food distribution locations, and other services.
As of November 19, 2012 the American Red Cross is no longer hosting fixed feeding sites. The Red Cross will continue to support the mobile unit in areas of need. (New)
The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management Hotline 8:00a.m. & 5:00p.m. CALL: (631) 852-4900 for information and assistance on disaster-related issues.
Department of Social Services
During the weeks following Super Storm Sandy, Suffolk County, in cooperation with the American Red Cross and FEMA, has ensured that no one in Suffolk County has to go homeless. Because, the Red Cross provides disaster relief, anyone who has lost housing due to Sandy and may need emergency sheltering should call the Red Cross at 1 (877) 733-2767. For those who have lost housing for any OTHER reason, please go directly to your Department of Social Services office during business hours. After 4:30 p.m., please call (631) 854-9100 for assistance.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Sites Where the Suffolk Department of Health Services Are Offering FREE Vaccination Clinics at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers For Monday, November 19, 2012 (Special Note: These centers will be open on Thanksgiving from 9:00am-12:00noon except for Lindenhurst site) (NEW)
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.
See current locations below. Hours of all FEMA Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. & run seven days a week. There will be shortened hours on Thanksgiving Day-9:00am-12:00 noon.
Please see NEW hours for Monday, November 19, 2012 for the SCDHS Free Vaccination Clinics at each of the Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers.
Please check schedule below as hours vary by site and also may be different on Saturday versus Sunday depending on the site.
H. Lee Dennison – 100 Vet’s Highway, Hauppauge
SC Vaccine Hours: 5:30-8:00pm
Islip Town Annex – 400 Main Street, Islip
SC Vaccine Hours: 5:00-8:00pm
Lindenhurst Public Library – 1 Lee Street, Lindenhurst
SC Vaccine Hours: 5:00-8:00pm
Mastic Recreation Center – 15 Herkimer St, Mastic
SC Vaccine Hours: 5:00-8:00pm
Suffolk County Center – 300 Center Drive, Riverhead
SC Vaccine Hours: 6:00-8:00pm
Suffolk County Health Department-Updated Guidance for Homeowners with Private Wells Affected by Floodwaters
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has updated it’s guidance to homeowners whose private wells were affected by floodwaters as a result of the storm. Health officials advise that homeowners test for bacteriological contaminants (total coliform and E.Coli), and inorganic compounds (e.g. nitrates, nitrites, chlorides) at minimum. Additional testing may be required depending upon site specific conditions (e.g. stored solvents, pesticides, gas cans, etc.).
Prior to having their water tested, homeowners are advised to have their wells assessed, repaired (if necessary), and disinfected by a licensed well driller or other competent professional. The New York State Department of Health advises that if fuel oil contamination is suspected (e.g. notable petroleum odor or evidence of petroleum product in close proximity to the well) then an analysis for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) should initially be performed to rule out potential impacts prior to disinfection and sampling. This analysis is also suggested for private wells in communities which were flooded and are known to have been heavily impacted by fuel spills. If residents are in doubt they should seek advice from a qualified professional. In addition, if you believe your well may be contaminated by petroleum, please report this to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Hotline at 1-800-457-7362. (See attachment for additional guidance and a listing of state approved labs in Suffolk County.)
Residential Oil Spills and Flooding (NEW)
"Residential Oil Spills and Flooding" is available from New York State. If your home has been affected by a flood that caused an oil spill in or near your home, you should contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Spill Hotline immediately at 1-800-457-7362 to report the spill. In some cases the oil is mixed with the water that has flooded your home. If so, DO NOT pump the water out into your yard. The oil may spread and contaminate other areas including nearby wells, water bodies and homes. Oil spills can contaminate indoor air. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is providing this information to help with this problem. If you have questions, call the toll-free number at 1-800-458-1158, extension 2-7810. After hours and on weekends, call 1-866-881-2809.
Avoid Getting Sick from Floodwaters (See attached document)
Residents who are moving back into homes affected by floodwaters are advised to take precautions to avoid getting sick. See the attached document which offers the following recommendations:
· handling sewage contamination in or around the home
· removing sludge from yard
· cleaning homes and belongings
· using disinfecting solutions or cleaners
· cleaning yards and children’s play areas
Dr. James Tomarken asks that resident make it a priority to remove children and pets from affected areas until those areas are sanitized.
Mental Health Needs
Those residents who are feeling undue stress or anxiety as a result of Super Storm Sandy should be aware that there are resources available to them. They are encouraged to seek out personnel representing the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and/or the New York State Office of Mental Health at the FEMA centers. These personnel will direct them to the appropriate resources. Alternatively, they can call (631) 853-8500.
Suffolk County Water Authority Reminder
The Suffolk County Water Authority suggests its customers, particularly those who expect to have their power and heat off for an extended period of time in the aftermath of Sandy, contact SCWA and have their water turned off temporarily to prevent pipes from freezing. All water restoration fees will be waived for SCWA customers who call between today and December 1 to have their water turned off, irrespective of when they turn their water back on. Call the SCWA Customer Service call center at (631) 698-9500. According to SCWA, homeowners turning off water need to make arrangements to have their pipes and fixtures drained to prevent them from being damaged by any remaining water in the pipes freezing.
Suffolk Health Department Dispensing Children Immunizations
Shots for Tots/Immunization Action Programs
The Immunization Action Program is now offering immunizations to first responders, volunteers and personnel responding to storm aftermath, and residents who have been affected by Super Storm Sandy. The times and locations are as listed for the program’s Shots for Tots program and first responders, volunteers and personnel responding to storm aftermath.
Immunization clinics for CHILDREN are available free of charge through Suffolk County Department of Health Services' Shots for Tots program as
follows:
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Longwood Public Library
800 Middle Country Road
Middle Island, New York 11953
3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sachem Library
150 Holbrook Road
Holbrook, New York 11741
3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
9 Clinton Ave. & Main St.
Bay Shore, NY 11706
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please bring your child’s immunization record with you.
EPA, State & County: Household Hazardous Waste Pickup & Drop-Off in Suffolk County
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
Important FEMA Information (NEW)
Hurricane 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
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.
1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
What Information Do I Need to Apply?
Whether applying online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov from your computer or smart phone, or over the phone through a FEMA call center, you should have a pen and paper and the following information ready:
· Your Social Security number
· Current and pre-disaster address
· A telephone number where you can be contacted
· Insurance information
· Total household annual income
· A routing and account number from your bank (only necessary if you want to have disaster assistance funds transferred directly into your bank account) your bank routing number is located on the lower left side of your bank checks immediately before your account number.
· A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster
After you've completed your application for assistance, you will be given a FEMA application number. Write down this number and keep it for future reference.
Suffolk County Businesses
Provide Emergency Sales Tax Relief to Small Businesses for Super Storm Sandy Reconstruction Efforts
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk County IDA announced an emergency sales tax relief program to ease the costs of reconstructing Suffolk County's small businesses.
The program provides relief from state and local sales tax on building materials such as windows, sheet rock, flooring and electrical as well as on equipment a business needs to replace that was damaged by the storm.
The program will provide sales tax relief for purchase of building materials and for the repurchase of equipment of up to $100,000 in purchase costs. There will be 200 businesses eligible for the program. A business must have 25 or fewer full-time employees to participate.
When a small business owner takes advantage of the IDA's relief program, the agency will facilitate discussions between them and the Town they operate in. The Town will be able to communicate directly with the business to determine if there are any issues they can develop solutions for.
Small business owners who have had their place of business damaged by Super Storm Sandy are urged to fill out a relief form at www.SuffolkIDA.org. Questions are asked to be directed to 631-853-4802 or email them to: info@suffolkida.org.
Suffolk County Small Business Assistance Resource Centers
Suffolk County, through its Departments of Economic Development/Planning and Labor, is offering access to computers, printers and fax machines for businesses that need access to office equipment in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy.
Locations:
SC Department of Labor-725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY-Monday-Friday-8:30am-4:00pm
SC Department of Labor-300 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY-Monday-Friday-8:30am-4:00pm
Health Advisories Update from Suffolk Department of Health Services
Simple Prevent