Today the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New York State Emergency Management Organization (SEMO) announced that Brooklyn was added to the Presidential disaster declaration.  This declaration makes residents and businesses eligible for FEMA’s individual assistance (IA) program, which can help applicants with grants for temporary housing, repair or replacement of a homeowner’s primary residence.  The declaration comes as a result of the severe storm and flooding that occurred on August 8, 2007.

“Now that the declaration has been made, the residents and business in our community can move toward becoming whole again.  I will continue to stand with the people of central Brooklyn in the weeks and months ahead during this process” stated Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.

FEMA’s IA program may also provide funds to help homeowners pay for necessary losses and expenses caused by the disaster, including clothing, household items, clean-up materials, a primary vehicle, and equipment required for a job or educational purposes, as well as medical and dental costs, moving and storage expenses.

In addition, Brooklyn residents will now be eligible for SBA’s low-interest, long-term disaster loans, as will some private, non-profit organizations that suffered damage to property or contents.

Those who suffered damage or losses from the severe storms and flooding are encouraged to register online at www.fema.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  Speech or hearing impaired individuals should call TTY 1-800-462-7585. The toll-free numbers are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
For further assistance in accessing federal aid, please contact Deanna Bitetti in Rep. Clarke’s District Office at 718-287-1142 or via email at Deanna.bitetti@mail.house.gov

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