Feds issue major disaster declaration for Westchester: Steps for Pelhamites to access funds outlined

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Village of Pelham Mayor Chance Mullen. The announcement from the Village of Pelham Manor follows it.

Governor Hochul submitted a formal request for a Major Disaster Declaration to the federal government, estimating over $50 million in damage statewide. This is well above the threshold needed to receive the declaration, and the request was granted just moments ago.

FEMA is now mobilizing to avail federal disaster assistance through FEMA Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans. Eligible homeowners will work directly with FEMA to obtain funding. Assistance can include funds for temporary housing units, housing and driveway repairs, crisis counseling, unemployment assistance, and legal services. You can start your application at https://www.disasterassistance.gov

FEMA is planning to provide mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to provide onsite support for those who need assistance filling out the necessary forms. We plan to supplement their efforts with local staff and volunteers.

We expect more information to be provided soon, and we will share it as it becomes available. In the meantime, please note that FEMA funds are typically intended to cover damage not covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. You will need to speak with your insurance provider before initiating the process through FEMA. Keep all invoices, receipts, and other documentation, as this will be required for the application process.

Please continue to place any storm-related bulk garbage curbside for pickup. Sanitation crews will be picking up bulk and household garbage in Area A on Tuesday, September 7th, and in Area B on Wednesday, September 8th, as scheduled.

Governor Hochul Announces Federal Approval for Major Disaster Declaration in Wake of Ida Flooding

To make sure you receive emergency notifications, subscribe to Nixle alerts (via text message and email) here: https://local.nixle.com/village-of-pelham

For ongoing updates and information from the Village of Pelham, subscribe to Village email alerts here: https://www.pelhamgov.com/subscribe

As always, we will continue to provide necessary information as it becomes available.

Pelham Manor

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Village of Pelham Manor Board of Trustees.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that President approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Westchester County. This will help provide for federal financial relief for local governments and New Yorkers and deliver individual and public assistance for eligible New Yorkers recovering from the flooding damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. For more information, click here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/.../governor-hochul-secures…

FEMA and New York State have been on the ground evaluating damages for about 3 days. Following a Major Disaster Declaration, and on the approval of the White House, FEMA will be able to offer financial assistance to municipalities through one program, and to residents through ‘individual assistance’ programs. Please make sure to carefully document all damages in writing and with photographs. Click here for the link to the FEMA individual assistance program website – please note, the federal government is still updating their site, so it may not be fully operation.

Following a Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA will set up Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) where people can file claims for assistance in communities which are particularly damaged. The County is working with FEMA to organize DRCs County-wide, as well as mobile DRCs where residents can file online or remotely. We will continue to work collaboratively with our County, State & Federal counterparts to get residents all disaster relief information as soon as possible.

Pelham Manor will continue to work collaboratively with the County regarding increased opportunities for disposal of storm debris and garbage through the week. Please note, storm debris pickup by the Pelham Manor DPW will continue tomorrow and throughout the week as needed. All residents should leave their storm related debris at the curb as soon as possible.  Please DO NOT place construction or demolition materials (sheetrock, lumber, insulation, ect, or materials with Freon – AC UNITS or a fridge) at the curb for pickup. Items such as a refrigerator (if Freon removed) will be picked up at a later date.

Given the Labor Day holiday, normal refuse collection is on a holiday schedule this week, click here for your collection days. We are working to coordinate a special appliance collection date this week given the recent storm – more information will be forthcoming.

Residents who need housing assistance should reach out to the Department of Social Services. In emergency cases, please call 914-995-2099.

Feeding Westchester is working to respond to food insecurity. Residents with need can go to their website at https://feedingwestchester.org/ to find pantries or food assistance near them.

The County will also continue monitoring power outages, as ConEd had between 15,000-20,000 outages and now appears to be down to roughly 52.

Please let Village Hall know if you need additional assistance at 914-738-8820 – Village Hall is Open Monday thru Friday (Except Labor Day Monday), from 830am to 430pm. Our crews will continue working additional hours throughout the week.

Please pass this information on to your neighbors who do not have access to online methods of communications or have them call Village Hall at 914-738-8820.

If you need emergency services, please call 911 or 914-738-1000