Congressman Pat Ryan lists some options for help
WASHINGTON, DC – Last Saturday, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Orange and Dutchess Counties, unlocking significant FEMA assistance directed to local governments to bolster storm recovery efforts. This declaration follows Congressman Pat Ryan’s call to mobilize additional federal resources given the catastrophic damage across the Hudson Valley.
“The last few weeks have been devastating and heartbreaking for our community, especially for families in Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, and Cornwall. I’m proud to announce that desperately-needed federal assistance is on the way,” Ryan said. “I want to thank President Biden for swiftly approving the declaration, Governor Hochul for mobilizing an effective state-wide response, and our local leaders, especially Orange County Executive Neuhaus, for their incredible work on the ground. I’ll keep fighting until everyone impacted has the resources they need and deserve.”
Resources
New York State’s self-reporting tool can help residents and businesses document property and building damage as federal, state, and local aid is delivered.
Flood victims are advised to begin the insurance claims process immediately and can adhere to the following guidance:
• Immediately report your loss to your insurance agent or company. If you are unsure how to or who to contact, the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at 877-336-2627 can help. Be prepared with your insurance policy declarations page on hand.
• Be prepared to provide photographs and videos of the inside and outside of your property prior to any clean up and before discarding anything.
• Make sure you document make, model, and serial number of damaged and significant appliances (e.g. washers and dryers, computer, TVs, etc.).
• Collect samples of furnishings that will need replacement to provide (e.g. flooring, carpeting, drapes, etc.).
• After documenting damage, discard any flooded property like perishable food, clothing, pillows, etc. that could develop mold. Standard Flood Insurance Policies often do not cover mold damage when a policyholder fails to take action within their control to prevent mold.
FEMA provides a complete guide to filing flood damage insurance claims available here and a guide to clean up and disaster relief at www.epa.gov.
The following local organizations are providing additional relief:
• Catholic Charities of Orange & Ulster Counties: 845-294-5124
• RECAP: 845-342-3978
• United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region Helpline: 2-1-1
• Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan Counties: 845-769-9393
• The J. Larkin Community Response Task Force Fund.
• Orange County Department of Social Services: 845-291-4000
• Jewish Family Service of Orange County: 845-341-1173 x 300
• Sacred Heart Church: 845-446-4609
• Mental Health Association of Orange County: 845-342-2400
RUPCO is distributing homeowners grants of up to $50,000 for Orange County residents making at or below 80% of the area’s median income. Learn more at 845- 713-4568 ext. 114.
