HIKIND HOSTS FEMA OFFICIALS TO EXPEDITE COMMUNICATIONS PROCESS

NEWS FROM
ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND

November 20, 2012

Contact: Yehudah Meth                                                       For Immediate Release

973-945-4903 (cell)

HIKIND HOSTS FEMA OFFICIALS TO EXPEDITE COMMUNICATIONS PROCESS

DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING BUT MORE THAN 50%
OF SANDY VICTIMS HAVE NOT FILED

In an on-going effort to aid New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Sandy, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) and his staff met with six FEMA officials yesterday to better ensure effective, accessible information to Hurricane Sandy victims who may be eligible for post-disaster financial relief.

“Many people are still confused about FEMA’s process and what they can offer,” said Assemblyman Hikind, who last week announced the addition of Jeanie Silver, a former FEMA employee, to his staff. “People should file with both FEMA and their insurance companies immediately. There are multiple resources available through FEMA that many are unaware of. Anyone who has suffered any sort of damage to their home, car, business, non-profit organization, or anything else may be eligible for a wide range of assistance programs, including low-interest SBA loans, personal property disaster relief, rental assistance, unemployment, medical and dental assistance. The important thing is that you must apply to find out what’s available, and you should be conscious of the deadlines, which are fast approaching.”

Currently, the deadline for individual assistance is December 30, 2012 and the deadline for SBA is December 31, 2012.

There are multiple ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

• Apply Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Apply via a smartphone at m.fema.gov
• Apply by phone by calling  (800) 621-3362; people with speech or hearing disabilities should call TTY (800) 462-7585.
• Apply directly at a Disaster Recovery Center. DRC’s are one-stop centers that allow you to see many agencies at once and to get face-to-face assistance with your application.

FEMA’s role is to help people return to safe, sanitary and functional homes.

Those in need of assistance or guidance in dealing with FEMA can contact Assemblyman Hikind’s office at 718-853-9616 and ask for Jeanie, or email jeaniesilver2012@gmail.com.

Assemblyman Dov Hikind and staff member Jeanie Silver with FEMA officials.