FEMA Funds Possible for Putnam Residents

Hurricane Sandy destroyed homes in Westchester, Rockland, New York City and Long Island. The federal government is now acknowledging that homes in Putnam County were also damaged by the superstorm.

On Tuesday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Putnam County has been added to the major federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Sandy and that individual assistance funds were available to homeowners who qualify.

Residents of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties also became eligible for individual assistance.

“I thank President Obama for adding these four counties to the major disaster declaration,” Governor Cuomo said. “The destructive effects of Hurricane Sandy are far-reaching and will require the maximum amount of federal assistance so these communities can rebuild and recover.”

The Individual Assistance program  is in place to provide relief for individual homeowners and there are strict guidelines that must be met. IA can provide financial aid for losses and damages caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“We are lucky that in Putnam County there were no lives lost, but with that said there was a tremendous amount of property damage,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell.

With the go ahead from the federal government, Putnam residents can start the claims process. Residents can register at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov online or go to m.fema.gov on a smartphone.

“An inspector will come in and do an inspection of the home,” said Kevin Hannes, federal coordinating officer for FEMA, at a meeting held with county and local officials last week. “Homeowners will need to submit supplemental information regarding the property.”

FEMA provides teams of representatives to help individuals understand the process and file paperwork.

Homeowners and renters will have until December 31 to file paperwork for disaster assistance, which is tax-free.

FEMA will be setting up an office in Putnam County, but its location has not yet been announced.

In addition to the individual assistance the county’s residents are eligible for, Putnam is working in conjunction with the local towns, villages and school districts to qualify for municipal help. Over $344,000 worth of damage and storm-related expenditures are needed collectively to meet the minimum threshold of qualifying for public assistance.

“Don’t stop at the minimum,” said  Hannes. “We need to see a full picture of the situation.”

FEMA has sent out teams of agents to assess the damage in Putnam County. FEMA members were going out to the different communities with local and state officials.

Infrastructure damage, building damage and the cost of emergency protection services will be tallied.

“If we don’t reach the minimum we get nothing,” Carmel Town Supervisor Ken Schmitt said. Hannes confirmed the statement.

“I think we will get there,” said Odell. “I think at first blush we will make it.”

On Thursday, Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Bob Tendy said that he was told that any damage that occurred during the nor’easter that happened on Wednesday, Nov. 7 could also be counted toward the disaster expenditures.

Once all of the information is collected it is processed at the FEMA office in Manhattan. Then a brief is issued to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“The governor will or will not request for D.C. to consider a disaster declaration,” said Hannes.

Odell is confident that Putnam will be added the list of counties eligible for public assistance.

“We are still working on it,” said Odell. “Just because we have been approved for individual assistance first, does not mean that we won’t soon get the help for the local governments.

Hannes said that it could take weeks for an approval to go through.

Unfortunately, there will be no relief for Putnam business owners. While the Small Business Administration offered assistance to businesses located in southern counties, Kevin Haas, a FEMA representative, said that it was not expected to extend the help to Putnam.