NEW YORK — Residents across the tri-state area are still struggling to recover after the remnants of Hurricane Ida walloped the region three months ago.
The deadly storm stunned the East Coast with record-breaking rain, historic flash flooding, surging rivers, tornado damage and other devastation.
At least 40 people died in New York and New Jersey, and dozens more were killed in states spanning from Louisiana to Pennsylvania.
The following resources may be helpful to those in the tri-state area:
The Red Cross lists its operations for Ida’s impacts on the Northeast here. Additional New York-specific information can be found here. The Red Cross launched a second round of financial assistance on Tuesday, Nov. 30. More information on eligibility and enrollment can be found here.
The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, Jan. 4. This is also the deadline to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information, click here.
For information about federal disaster relief, click here.
New York City assistance and resources
New York City small business owners can reach out to the Small Business Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC.
New York City residents can submit water damage claims. More info here:
New York City Emergency Management officials outlined ways New Yorkers can reach out for assistance with Ida recovery.
- Virtual disaster assistance center: nyc.gov/ida
- An in-person FEMA Disaster Recovery Center remains open in Queens.
- Queens College, Student Union
- 152-45 Melbourne Avenue
- Flushing, NY 11367
- Open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- FEMA also opened Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers (traveling units). For more information, click here.
- For information about disaster assistance for undocumented New Yorkers, click here.
- For information on Disaster Legal Services, click here.
- For more city resources related to housing, finance, labor and more, click here.
New York City food assistance and housing assistance
- Salvation Army – 718-335-3693
- Soup kitchen open Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
- Food pantry open Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens – 718-722-6001
- Open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- City Harvest
- Need help finding food? Try their map for help.
New Jersey assistance and resources
- Click here for the state’s disaster assistance resource page for residents impacted by Ida.
- For assistance and guidance with insurance claims, click here.
- For business recovery resources, click here.
- For food assistance resources, click here.
- For mental health resources, click here.
- For information on tax relief, click here.
- The 24-hour Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
After a flood, the National Weather Service suggests these safety tips:
When flood waters recede, the damage left behind can be devastating and present many dangers. Images of flood destruction depict destroyed homes and buildings, damaged possessions, and decimated roadways. However, what you can’t see can be just as dangerous. Floodwaters often become contaminated with sewage or chemicals. Gas leaks and live power lines can be deadly, but are not obvious at first glance.
- Stay Informed: Stay tuned to your local news for updated information on road conditions. Ensure water is safe to drink, cook or clean with after a flood. Authorities may ask you to boil water for a while after a flood. Utility companies often have apps to update you on getting service back. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms when areas are dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage. Review generator safety.
- Avoid Flood Waters: Standing water hides many dangers including toxins and chemicals. There may be sharp objects under the water or the road could have collapsed. If it is likely your home will flood, don’t wait for evacuation order, get out! Talk to friends and family about emergency visits. If you have pets, take them with you or get them somewhere safe.
- Avoid Disaster Areas: Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence may hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
- Heed Road Closed and Cautionary Signs: Road closure and other cautionary signs are put in place for your safety. Pay attention to them!
- Wait for the All Clear: Do not enter a flood damaged home or building until you’re given the All Clear by authorities. If you enter a flood damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can cause floods to collapse, ceiling to fall, etc. Make sure the electrical system has been turned off. Have the power company or a qualified electrician fix wires. Contact your insurance agent to discuss property damage. If you have a generator, follow proper safety procedures.
- Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Let your family and close friends know that you’re okay so they can help spread the word. Register with or search the American Red Cross’s Safe and Well listing.