Originally Posted - July 18, 2006

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ALBANY-- A disaster-information Helpline is available to New York residents who have already applied for disaster aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The FEMA Helpline number is 1-800-621 FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for people with speech or hearing impairments. Flood victims may call to get information about disaster assistance programs or check on the status of their application.

"People with questions about their applications or eligibility for assistance can get answers by calling this number," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson. "Helpline personnel may not be able to answer every question but should be able to refer callers to the agency or organization that can."

FEMA also encourages applicants to use the Helpline if they need to reschedule an appointment with a FEMA damage inspector. The fewer delays there are in assessing disaster damages, the faster help can be on its way to those who need it. Flood victims can register with FEMA by calling: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. You can also register online at www.fema.gov.

To register with the State call: 1-888-7-NYS-AID (1-888-769-7243) or (TTY) NYS Relay 711 or register online at www.labor.state.ny.us. The State lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. 7-18-06

© 2006 North Country Gazette