FEMA compensates for storm losses

DUTCHESS COUNTY — On Aug. 26, the Department of Homeland Security issued a major disaster declaration for New York state as a way to deal with the devastation left behind Hurricane Irene. Counties across the state were declared a major disaster by President Obama, including Dutchess County. Although Hurricane Irene has come and gone, residents in Dutchess County are still dealing with the aftermath. Millbrook Deputy Mayor Stan Morse said that between the village of Millbrook and the town of Washington, 54 basements had to have water pumped out. Nine of those basements were in the town and 45 in the village.“The fire company should be praised for their fine work and rescue efforts for the basements,” said Morse “They did an excellent service to the community.”Morse said that since the town and village are incorporated into the declared major disaster area, residents are now eligible for reimbursements through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).“The financial losses from the storm were significant and of the nature that FEMA felt they should get involved,” said Morse.The New York State Disaster Assistance Handbook lists the criteria homeowners must meet to qualify for reimbursments. Those with homeowner’s insurance coverage should receive reimbursement through that, but Morse encouraged those without to check the handbook.“The handbook covers potential losses,” said Morse “For example, losses which could be related to housing, losses from health-related services, losses from equipment incapable of operation from water damage, loss of social services that could cause a disruption of families, loss of crops on farms and even small businesses that were affected. All of these are various things can potentially be covered.”One of the main criteria to qualify for assistance is to have losses to property in an area declared a disaster area by the president — so properties in both the town and village qualify. Also, the homeowner must be a U.S. citizen and the damaged property must be the primary residence.Additional requirements and other information can be found in the handbook.“Once you do all that you need to, send an application to FEMA and they will work with you,” said Morse “It’s a very fascinating process.”The handbook is available by calling 800-621-3362 or by going online to www.disasterassistance.gov.For more information about reimbursements from FEMA visit the Washington Town Hall. Representatives from both the village of Millbrook and town of Washington met at the Farm and Home Center at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County for a FEMA conference discussing how to receive reimbursement from Hurricane Irene. Village Highway Superintendent Robert Collocolla and Morse attended the conference, representing the village and town. Highway Superintendent James Brownell and town Supervisor Florence Prisco attended to represent the town. Both municipalities have submitted their paperwork and are eligible for reimbursement according to FEMA’s requirements, according to officials. “We have submitted our paperwork and we have not gotten contacted back yet,” said Brownell. “Again, we had very minimal damage and we will receive something from them, I am sure. They are always good to work with, but they have not contacted us yet. “FEMA is back in the area and I don’t expect us to be seen right away since we were so minimally impacted by the event,” he added. “We were lucky, even though there is some damage. But all you need to do is take a ride across the river and you will see damage that is much worse [than what is apparent at first glance].”

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