Suffolk County Emergency Shelter Hotline is OPEN!
For those displaced by Super Storm Sandy, Suffolk County has established temporary emergency shelter accommodations in cooperation with New York Institute of Technology. For those who have been displaced by Sandy and have need of emergency shelter, Suffolk County has established a HOTLINE dedicated to assisting residents with these shelter needs.
Residents can call (631) 504-6853. 9:00a.m. –8:00p.m. 7 Days a Week.
FEMA Sheltering & TEMPORARY Essential Power (STEP) (See attached flyer)
In addition to the County’s TEMPORARY emergency shelter program, FEMA has established the STEP program in conjunction with Suffolk County, which will help people get back into their homes more quickly and safely.
STEP assists in performing temporary repairs to restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences. STEP is intended to help residents to shelter ‘in place” in their homes pending more permanent repairs.
For FEMA STEP Program, Residents can call 2-1-1, between 8:00a.m. – 8:00 p.m., 7 Days a Week.
The FEMA Disaster Recovery Assistance Centers (DRC)-New Hours for Mastic, Hauppauge and Riverhead commencing Thursday, November 29, 2012
FEMA and County representatives are on hand to assist residents in filling out FEMA applications, answer any questions and provide lists of resources.
New virtual DRC created by Suffolk County
This online Disaster Recovery Center will provide you access to many of the same resources offered in the DRC’s, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while Suffolk County continues to recover from Sandy.
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.
H. Lee Dennison – 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge
New hours beginning Thursday, November 29, 2012
9:00am-6:00pm
Islip Town Annex – 400 Main Street, Islip
9:00am-8:00pm
New SC Vaccine Hours
Tuesday, 11/27: 5pm-8pm
Wednesday, 11/28: 5pm-8pm
Sunday, 12/2: 2pm-6pm
Lindenhurst Public Library – 1 Lee Street, Lindenhurst
9:00am-8:00pm
New SC Vaccine Hours
Wednesday, 11/28: 5pm-8pm
Friday, 11/30: 5pm-8pm
Saturday, 12/1: 9am-2pm
Mastic Recreation Center – 15 Herkimer St, Mastic
New hours beginning Thursday, November 29, 2012
9:00am-6:00pm
New SC Vaccine Hours
Saturday, 12/1: 9am-2pm
Suffolk County Center – 300 Center Drive, Riverhead
New hours beginning Thursday, November 29, 2012
9:00am-6:00pm
Process to Follow to Appeal FEMA Denial Letters
Meanwhile, residents who have applied for assistance to 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 residents may receive a denial letter are two – 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.
If an 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.
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 the 800 number. In addition, if a resident has received a letter from FEMA stating that a claim for federal assistance has been deemed ineligible because of insurance they should contact their insurance agent and request a settlement letter.
Residents should contact the FEMA HELPLINE: 1 (800) 621 – FEMA (3362). Have registration number handy. 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.
Suffolk County Department of Health Update
STANDING WATER IS HAZARDOUS
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) wants to remind those working in areas that have been flooded that the County has previously received reports of fuel spills and potential sewage releases in areas which continue to be affected by standing floodwater. This includes Lindenhurst, Mastic Beach and several other low-lying areas of the County which have been flooded by Hurricane Sandy. Standing water is hazardous, containing contaminants such as chemicals from garages and sheds. Standing water can also be a source of diseases such as tetanus. Those exposed should ensure their tetanus immunization (Tdap) is up to date. Questions may be directed to the Public Health Hotline 631-787-2200.
Exposure to fuels floating on the surface can lead to respiratory problems due to inhalation and to skin conditions due to direct contact. If you suspect exposure to fuel spills by visual evidence (floating product), smell of fuel or official notification you should leave the area.
First responders from our fire services agencies, ambulance services and police department engaged in emergency response, as well as civilians working to restore properties where standing water may be present, or has receded, should wear appropriate personal protective equipment to protect themselves when working in these conditions. Of particular concern is exposure by inhalation, absorption through the skin, and ingestion through splash to the eyes and mouth. Protective clothing such as hip waders, rubber boots and rubber gloves helps reduce likelihood of contamination. Protective clothing should be left out of living areas after use, and post-exposure personal hygiene should occur as soon as possible. Children should avoid potential exposures to floodwaters at all times.
If individuals are exposed, decontamination with water and soap should occur as soon as possible, and if applicable, the eyes should be flushed with copious amounts of water. For situations where visible dust is created, respirators should be worn.
Once it is safe to return basic hygiene is very important. Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after toilet use, cleanup activities or handling items contaminated by floodwater or sewage. Wash water should be from a safe public water supply or an acceptable alternative (e.g., bottled water, or a safe private well which has not been impacted by floodwaters).
How to Avoid Getting Sick from Floodwaters-Please see attached document
Department of Social Services Update
SPECIAL DISASTER RULES FOR ACCEPTING SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) EBT BENEFITS FOR HOT FOOD PURCHASES
Due to Hurricane Sandy, and effective immediately, retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits in the following counties may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for HOT foods and foods intended to be consumed
on retailer premises:
Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings), Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island (Richmond),Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam and Sullivan
These special rules are in effect through December 31, 2012. When hot foods are purchased with SNAP EBT benefits through December 31, 2012, the purchases are NOT subject to sales tax, as the foods mentioned above are considered SNAP eligible during this period. We encourage all SNAP authorized retail food stores in the above counties to post a special notice in the store letting SNAP customers know that they can use their SNAP EBT benefits to purchase hot foods and, where practical, may remain on the premises to consume those
foods.
If you have any questions, please contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 877-823-4369.
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