Letter from Westchester County Executive George Latimer:

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September 7, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

Devastation from Hurricane Ida is all around us. It is difficult to put into the words the loss we have seen across Westchester County – the loss of homes, livelihoods, the hundreds of families who now have no place to call home. We understand that these are extremely challenging times, but we want you to know that we are here to help you in any way that we can. Assistance may be available to you from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, following President Joe Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration for our communities.

If you are a homeowner who has suffered significant property damage from the remnants of Hurricane Idea, use this link to apply online for FEMA assistance. Here you can find more information about aid for individuals and households. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, or low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Small businesses recovering from Ida damage may also qualify for disaster loan assistance from the Small Business Administration. For information please visit this website or call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-877-8339)

If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurance company before applying to FEMA. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but may be able to help where homeowners or flood insurance did not. If you have flood insurance, report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier.

Please make sure you are carefully documenting all damage in writing and with photographs, receipts and other documentation.

Residents who need housing assistance should reach out to the Westchester County Department of Social Services. If you have a housing emergency, you may call 914-995-2099. If you need immediate assistance, you may also contact the American Red Cross at 877-RED-CROSS or United Way by dialing 211.

Some of the criteria that must be met to be eligible for assistance include the following:
• Damage must have occurred during the incident period of the declaration and be a direct result of the incident.
• Eligible losses include non-insured damage/loss to primary residence, damage/loss to eligible personal property.

Westchester County is actively working with FEMA to set up Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where people can file claims for assistance in communities that are heavily damaged. Mobile DRCs will also be established where residents can file claims in person, online or remotely.

If you need further information or assistance you may also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. This number is also for users of 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS). TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585. Helpline services are available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET.

As we get additional information we will of course let you know, so please stay tuned for updates from my office. We will rise up from the blow of Hurricane Ida and we will move forward, together, united, as we have before.

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Stay well,

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George Latimer
Westchester County Executive

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