Once you apply for FEMA assistance, it’s vital to let FEMA know if your address changes, if you discover additional damage from Hurricane Ida or if you have another disaster-related issue. Be sure to let FEMA know if:
You discover Hurricane Ida-caused mold growing in your home
As a homeowner who is eligible for FEMA assistance, you may receive funds to remove disaster-caused mold damage as part of your Home Repair Assistance award. For information about mold cleanup from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit CDC.gov/mold/cleanup.
You lost your job as a direct result of the storm
If you live or work in one of the nine counties affected by Hurricane Ida in New York and you lost your job as a direct result of the storm, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. To be eligible, your job loss must be directly related to Hurricane Ida and you must not be eligible for any other unemployment benefits. You have until Thursday, Nov. 18, to apply. Call the New York State Department of Labor at 866-642-7227. Be prepared to answer questions about when, where and why you lost your job.
You have asked someone else to act on your behalf
If you ask a friend or relative to act on your behalf when you apply for FEMA assistance or meet with the FEMA inspector, you must let FEMA know in writing. Submit your consent online by logging into your FEMA account at DisasterAssistance.gov, or mail it to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055. You can also fax your consent to 800-827-8112. Another way to let FEMA know that you have identified someone to act on your behalf: You and your representative can visit a Disaster Recovery Center together to submit your consent. Find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center online at fema.gov/DRC.
You must maintain flood insurance if you receive FEMA aid
Homeowners who live in a designated special flood hazard area and receive a FEMA award for flood damage caused by Hurricane Ida are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance for the disaster-damaged address for as long as the address exists. You are also required to purchase flood insurance for at least the assistance amount awarded for flood-damaged real and personal property insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. Renters who reside in a designated special flood hazard area and receive a FEMA award for flood-damaged personal property must also obtain and maintain flood insurance coverage. Your landlord’s flood insurance will not cover flood damage to your personal property. For more information, visit Floodsmart.gov.
Hurricane Ida damaged your furnace
If your insurance does not cover Hurricane Ida-caused damage to your furnace, you may be eligible for a FEMA grant to replace or repair it. Submit an appeal letter, receipt or estimate to repair or replace the furnace, and be sure to include the contractor’s name and phone number on the documents.
Your address or phone number has changed
Ensuring FEMA has your correct contact information will help you avoid delays. Be sure to let FEMA know if your address changes, even temporarily. Make sure that your phone number and email address on file with FEMA are correct. Remember that you can easily update your information online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Monday, Dec. 6. Here’s how to apply:
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
- You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit DRC Locator (fema.gov).
For additional online resources as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and click “Information.”
For the latest information on New York’s recovery efforts, visit fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow FEMA on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion2 and on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
Hazard Mitigation
Flooding is the most frequent weather disaster in the nation and the most expensive. You can reduce the risk of flood damage to your property in a future disaster by elevating furnaces and other critical utilities, installing a sump pump or French drain and adding landscaping to reduce runoff. More information about reducing your risk can be found at fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management.
