Disaster
News

Joint Information Center
Disaster Field Office
Albany, New York 12226


June 8, 2007
NR 055 - 1692 DR-NY
FEMA NEWS DESK - 518-454-4503
SEMO - Dennis Michalski - 518-292-2310
SBA - Michael Lampton - 404-347-3771

NEW YORKERS MAY STILL QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENTS UNDER THE FEMA OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

ALBANY, N.Y. - New Yorkers who did not receive reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for items purchased in direct response to the April nor'easter may appeal the decision by simply providing the appropriate receipts.

"Some people received letters from FEMA stating they are ineligible for reimbursement because the required information was not available at the time of the physical inspection," said State Coordinating Officer John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office. "These people need to know that we may be able to reimburse them for disaster-related purchases, but we must have the receipts that document those expenses."

Reimbursement through the Other Needs Assistance Program is available to individuals in the counties of Albany, Dutchess, Orange, Richmond (Borough of Staten Island), Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. FEMA is urging renters and homeowners in the seven-county area who have registered to review their disaster-related purchases from April 14 through April 18.

"If you haven't registered yet or have registered but still need to find the required receipts, we urge that you do so now," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson. "Remember, lost receipts can often be replaced at the original place of purchase."

Items eligible for reimbursement may include:
Air purifiers used for medical purposes;
Power generators used for medical purposes, purchased or rented between April 14-18;
Accessories for generators used for medical purposes, purchased or rented between April 14-18;
Humidifiers;
Dehumidifiers;
Chainsaws; and/or
Wet/dry vacuums.

For those appealing the denial, copies of the receipts (not the originals), along with the applicant's name and FEMA registration number should be sent to:

FEMA - Individuals & Households Program
DR -1692- NY
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782

Fax requests for reimbursement to 1-800-827-8112, Attn: FEMA Individuals & Households Program, DR-1692-NY. The Other Needs Assistance helpline is 1-866-645-5410.

Anyone who has not yet registered for assistance should call toll-free, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing or speech impaired, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily or register online at www.fema.gov. The deadline for registration is June 25. Online, be sure to use the name as it appears on the Social Security card.



FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.