what will FEMA reimburse you for?

Constituents of mine have given me mixed reports about FEMA over the years. Some people have been helped. Others have completed applications, thinking they will get help from FEMA—only to be disappointed. I have asked FEMA to provide me with an easy to understand memo –highlighting what is available to you and your families. The following summary was taken from the web and may be helpful to you and your neighbors.  FEMA has an information desk at the Westchester County Center, which is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. The information desk will provide info to residents who experienced losses. As I receive more info, I will share it with you.

Please provide me with an update as to the experiences you have with FEMA. Let me know if your applications are being approved or rejected and the reasons why. What are your experiences dealing with FEMA representatives?

I will provide you with updates.

Paul Feiner

HURRICANE SANDY:

FEMA ASSISTANCE

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is charged with helping New Yorkers

respond and recover from Hurricane Sandy. FEMA provides a wide range of disaster assistance.

This fact sheet focuses on “Housing Needs” Assistance and “Other than Housing Needs”

Assistance.

What is Disaster Assistance?

Disaster assistance is financial or direct assistance to people whose property has been damaged

or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, and whose losses are not covered by insurance. Disaster

Assistance helps you with critical expenses. Disaster assistance is not intended to restore your

damaged property to its condition before Hurricane Sandy.

Is Disaster Assistance Still Available If I Have Insurance?

Yes. FEMA's Individuals and Households Program provides assistance to individuals and

families whose property has been damaged or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Sandy, and

whose losses are not covered by insurance.

What is “Housing Needs” Assistance?

You may be able to receive “Housing Needs” Assistance to:

• Reimburse you for short-term hotel expenses;

• Rent a place to live while your home is being repaired;

• Repair damage to your home; or

• Help you purchase a new home if your home is destroyed.

Am I Eligible for “Housing Needs” Assistance?

To receive “Housing Needs” Assistance, all of the following must be true:

• You have suffered losses in New York City or another disaster area.

• If you have insurance, you have filed for insurance benefits and the damage to

your property is not covered by your insurance or your insurance settlement is

insufficient to meet your losses.

• You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen

national, or a qualified alien.

• You have a valid Social Security Number.

• The home in the disaster area is where you usually live and where you were living

at the time of the disaster.

• You are not able to live in your home now, you cannot get to your home due to

the disaster, or your home requires repairs because of damage from the disaster.

What is “Other than Housing Needs” Assistance?

You may be able to receive “Other than Housing Needs” Assistance for necessary expenses or

serious needs, including:

• Medical and dental expenses;

• Funeral and burial expenses;

• Clothing;

• Household items, such as furniture or appliances;

• Tools required for your job;

• Educational materials, such as computers, school books, or supplies;

• Heating oil or heating gas;

• Clean-up supplies such as a wet/dry vacuum or dehumidifier;

• Disaster-related damage to a vehicle;

• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster; or

• Other necessary expenses or serious needs.

Am I Eligible for “Other than Housing Needs” Assistance?

To receive “Other than Housing Needs” Assistance, all the following must be true:

• You have suffered losses in New York City or another disaster area.

• If you have insurance, you have filed for insurance benefits and the damage to

your property is not covered by your insurance or your insurance settlement is

insufficient to meet your losses.

• You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a non-citizen

national, or a qualified alien.

• You have necessary expenses or serious needs because of the disaster.

• You have accepted assistance from all other sources for which you are eligible,

such as insurance proceeds or Small Business Administration disaster loans.

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

Before you apply, you should have the following information ready:

• Your Social Security number,

• Your current and pre-Hurricane Sandy address,

• Your telephone number,

• Your insurance information,

• Your total household annual income, &

• A description of your losses that were caused by Hurricane Sandy.

How Do I Apply for Disaster Assistance?

You can apply:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov,

• By using a Smartphone at m.fema.gov, or

• By calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for people with speech or

hearing disabilities)

What Happens After I Apply for Assistance?

Make sure that you write down the application number that FEMA gives you. Tell FEMA if

your contact information or any other information in your application changes. FEMA will send

you a copy of your application. FEMA will also send you an Applicant Guide. A FEMA

inspector may contact you to schedule a time to review your damages, and you may be asked to

complete additional forms.

Can I Appeal FEMA’s Decision?

You may appeal any FEMA decision, including if you have been denied benefits or if you

disagree with the amount or type of help FEMA says it will provide.

How Do I Appeal FEMA’s Decision?

You must appeal within 60 days of the date on the decision letter FEMA sends to you.

Your appeal should:

• Explain in writing why you think the decision is not correct;

• Be signed by you, or someone who represents you (if the person writing the letter

is not a member of your household, there must be a signed statement saying that

that person may act for you); and

• Include the FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of

your decision letter).

You can fax you appeal letter to (800) 827-8112 (Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households

Program), or mail your appeal letter to:

FEMA - Individuals & Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

How Will I Know If My Appeal Is Successful?

FEMA usually makes decisions within 30 days of receiving your appeal. FEMA will notify you

of the decision by mail.

What Should I Do If I Have Additional Questions?

You can visit a disaster recovery center or call the FEMA Help Line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for people with speech or hearing disabilities.

coincidence--lights go on during interview with nbc tv brian williams

After a reporter from NBC Nightly news with Brian Williams interviewed me they went to the home of a woman who was out of power for 10 days. I swear - it wasn't a setup. If you watch the following report which aired at 7 PM on NBC nightly news, you'll see how the lights went on in her home during the interview! Con Ed had no idea that the crew was going to her home.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#49735182

This is the letter I'm sending to the NYS Public Service Commission. Any other suggestions, please e mail me!

November 5, 2012

Jaclyn A. Brilling
Secretary to the Commission

New York State Dept. of Public Service

3 Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY 12223-1350

Dear Ms. Brilling,

Con Ed crews assigned to Greenburgh did not work 24 hours during the restoration of electricity. We have an emergency – over 8,000 homes without power for many days. When there are power outages in the future the following suggestions should be considered. I am communicating my thoughts to every elected official who represents the town, state officials, Con Ed with the following requests/suggestions:

· Con Ed should assign crews to areas without power 24 hours a day. No down time until all power is restored.

· Con Ed should call in more of their retirees.

· Con Ed should provide elected officials with a daily accounting of where crews are going to be sent each day and at the end of the day the Con Ed liaisons should account for what streets had power restored.

· Con Ed should have a plan of action in place, working with public safety and local officials on how to deal with the frail elderly and people with significant medical issues.

· During the recent storm many people contacted me with major health problems. They included people who were home bound - unable to leave their homes due to serious illnesses, recent operations. I spoke with residents who had brain surgeries, and depend on oxygen to live. I am sure that the prolonged power outages contributed to additional health problems for those with major medical problems (people who refuse to leave their home during an outage). Con Ed gave no priority attention to their needs.

· All assisted living facilities, hospitals; nursing homes should be contacted in advance of storms and asked to provide those with medical needs affordable temporary places to stay while power is out.

It is ridiculous that the restoration of power is taking so long. The NYS Public Service Commission should also investigate the way this crisis has been handled. I continue to receive calls from people who have major health problems and won’t leave their homes. How many people will develop life threatening illnesses as a result of these delays?

Sincerely,

Paul J. Feiner

Town Supervisor

Cc: NYS Legislators

Governor Andrew Cuomo

Larry Schwartz, Secretary to the Governor

Westchester Municipal Officials

10 crews working!

Just got off the phone with the Con Ed liaison working with Greenburgh. Have some positive news to report: There are now 10 crews working throughout the town in Greenburgh...21 bucket trucks...an area in Edgemont has been hit hard and they are going to work much of the day there -- so schools could re-open. We expect big progress today.
PAUL FEINER

gas shortage update..atria has rooms...house angels

A quick update on the gas shortage, which remains a huge concern.  The bottom line is that a number of the factors contributing to the shortage issues have been addressed, but it will probably be another 24 hours or more before the effect is visible.

1.       Supply Issues: Because of the impact of the storm surge, wind, and power outages the majority of the terminals and pipelines that deliver gasoline to the region went down during the storm.  Additionally, access to ports was limited by the Coast Guard because of hazardous conditions on the water.  The good news is that these problems are increasingly being addressed. The Coast Guard has been able to lift most of their restrictions, enabling significant supplies to reach the region. A number of major pipelines and delivery points have come back online or are expected to do so in the next 24 hours. The combined effect of these re-openings should significantly alleviate the shortage, although it will still take some time for gas to offloaded and distributed to stations. 

2.       Refining Capacity: The majority of the Northeast regions refineries (primarily located in the Delaware, PA, Southern NJ area) had to shut down as a result of the storm.  Many of these are also coming back online.  The EPA has lifted some Clean Air Act requirements for diesel fuel which should help increase production rate at the refinings that are operating to ensure emergency vehicles have fuel supply.  The re-opening of pipelines and terminals means that gas from refining in the Gulf that has been earmarked for the area can now begin to flow in.  In addition, Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano announced Friday that the Department of Homeland Security issued a temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act, allowing additional oil tankers coming from the Gulf of Mexico to enter Northeastern ports, which will provide additional fuel resources to the region.

3.       Local Delivery: Gas has to be delivered from terminals and pipelines to gas stations by truck, so blocked roads from downed trees and particularly powerlines has made delivering fuel to stations difficult.  However, because gas stations are generally on major roads, most of these blocks are being removed and the fuel that is now coming in again from pipelines and terminals should be able to get to more stations.  

4.       BUT local gas stations need to have their power restored in order to operate the pumps….

Our office has been working with the various federal and state agencies (FEMA, DoE, Governor’s office, Coast Guard) to make sure the delivery system gets working again and to protect supply for emergency services.  It appears that things should begin to improve soon, but obviously this remains a huge concern. 

Susan Spear

Hudson Valley Regional Director

Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)

susan_spear@gillibrand.senate.gov

The library will be open on Monday evening from 5:30 to 9 pm for emergency service, internet and electricity.

The Atria Woodlands in Ardsley has rooms available for the elderly. Power may not be restored throughout the region until the end of next week. It’s getting cold. And- if residents don’t want to go to a shelter or stay with a HOUSE ANGEL (volunteers who are opening up their homes) this is an alternative. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.  Have almost a dozen offers from Greenburgh residents to let people stay in their homes.

I just spoke to the command center. As of now there are 8690 power outages in Greenburgh. The police expect significant progress re: restoration of power to be made –starting tomorrow. Major roads are now cleared. Many of the secondary roads have also been cleared. We expect Con Ed to send crews from out of state to Westchester. 

From: Anne Pinter [mailto:anne.pinter@atriaseniorliving.com]
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2012 2:45 PM
To: Paul Feiner;

We've already had a number of emergency move-ins and we have only 3 more furnished apartments available in our independent living that people can move into without medical paperwork. They are priced as follows, includes meals...

Studio Apartment - $250 per day
One Bedroom - $275 per day
Two Bedroom - $350 per day

We have 5 furnished apartments available in our secured memory impairment unit - these would require some medical paperwork but we encourage those with an interest to call the community at 914-693-7700 for details. These are $350 per day.

Feel free to advertise them and let me or Margarida Verlardo, the executive director of Atria Woodlands, know if you have any additional questions.

Anne Pinter
Atria Senior Living
Senior Vice President, East Division
516-353-1916

Paul Feiner

gas shortage update

A quick update on the gas shortage, which remains a huge concern.  The bottom line is that a number of the factors contributing to the shortage issues have been addressed, but it will probably be another 24 hours or more before the effect is visible.

1.       Supply Issues: Because of the impact of the storm surge, wind, and power outages the majority of the terminals and pipelines that deliver gasoline to the region went down during the storm.  Additionally, access to ports was limited by the Coast Guard because of hazardous conditions on the water.  The good news is that these problems are increasingly being addressed. The Coast Guard has been able to lift most of their restrictions, enabling significant supplies to reach the region. A number of major pipelines and delivery points have come back online or are expected to do so in the next 24 hours. The combined effect of these re-openings should significantly alleviate the shortage, although it will still take some time for gas to offloaded and distributed to stations. 

2.       Refining Capacity: The majority of the Northeast regions refineries (primarily located in the Delaware, PA, Southern NJ area) had to shut down as a result of the storm.  Many of these are also coming back online.  The EPA has lifted some Clean Air Act requirements for diesel fuel which should help increase production rate at the refinings that are operating to ensure emergency vehicles have fuel supply.  The re-opening of pipelines and terminals means that gas from refining in the Gulf that has been earmarked for the area can now begin to flow in.  In addition, Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano announced Friday that the Department of Homeland Security issued a temporary, blanket waiver of the Jones Act, allowing additional oil tankers coming from the Gulf of Mexico to enter Northeastern ports, which will provide additional fuel resources to the region.

3.       Local Delivery: Gas has to be delivered from terminals and pipelines to gas stations by truck, so blocked roads from downed trees and particularly powerlines has made delivering fuel to stations difficult.  However, because gas stations are generally on major roads, most of these blocks are being removed and the fuel that is now coming in again from pipelines and terminals should be able to get to more stations.  

4.       BUT local gas stations need to have their power restored in order to operate the pumps….

Our office has been working with the various federal and state agencies (FEMA, DoE, Governor’s office, Coast Guard) to make sure the delivery system gets working again and to protect supply for emergency services.  It appears that things should begin to improve soon, but obviously this remains a huge concern. 

Susan Spear

Hudson Valley Regional Director

Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)

susan_spear@gillibrand.senate.gov

The library will be open on Monday evening from 5:30 to 9 pm for emergency service, internet and electricity.

The Atria Woodlands in Ardsley has rooms available for the elderly. Power may not be restored throughout the region until the end of next week. It’s getting cold. And- if residents don’t want to go to a shelter or stay with a HOUSE ANGEL (volunteers who are opening up their homes) this is an alternative. E mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.  Have almost a dozen offers from Greenburgh residents to let people stay in their homes.

I just spoke to the command center. As of now there are 8690 power outages in Greenburgh. The police expect significant progress re: restoration of power to be made –starting tomorrow. Major roads are now cleared. Many of the secondary roads have also been cleared. We expect Con Ed to send crews from out of state to Westchester. 

From: Anne Pinter [mailto:anne.pinter@atriaseniorliving.com]
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2012 2:45 PM
To: Paul Feiner;

We've already had a number of emergency move-ins and we have only 3 more furnished apartments available in our independent living that people can move into without medical paperwork. They are priced as follows, includes meals...

Studio Apartment - $250 per day
One Bedroom - $275 per day
Two Bedroom - $350 per day

We have 5 furnished apartments available in our secured memory impairment unit - these would require some medical paperwork but we encourage those with an interest to call the community at 914-693-7700 for details. These are $350 per day.

Feel free to advertise them and let me or Margarida Verlardo, the executive director of Atria Woodlands, know if you have any additional questions.

Anne Pinter
Atria Senior Living
Senior Vice President, East Division
516-353-1916

Paul Feiner

9500 out of power...2 con ed crews...

9,500 out of power...only 2 Con Ed crews. About half of Greenburgh is without power. About 9,500 powerless families.  Con Ed has assigned two Con Ed crews to our town. Restoration of power is taking a very, very , very long time. We desperately need more Con Ed crews.
I spoke to an official at the office of Homeland Security yesterday. Also spoke with Congresswoman Lowey and wrote to the Governor’s office.  GREENBURGH IS NOT GETTING THE SERVICE WE NEED TO RESTORE POWER.
This morning a resident of Fairview stopped me. His wife has LUNG CANCER. It’s cold in his house.  Yesterday, I received a call from someone whose mother is terminally ill (staying at home) with BRAIN CANCER.  She is also suffering because of the cold.  Another man called me yesterday. A family member is recovering from brain surgery. The police chief and I stopped by at a constituents house in Hartsdale. Her father, also without power, has many illnesses including parkinson’s.  Con Ed is not making special arrangements for those who are elderly, frail and very sick.
I have a suggestion—perhaps nursing homes/assisted living facilities would be willing to rent out vacant rooms short term until power is restored.
The town has opened up a 24 warming station at the Theodore Young Community Center. But, most people who are very sick don’t want to leave their homes. A  new program is being set up –HOUSE/ANGELS.  Cari Gardner of Hastings stopped by at my office yesterday to pick up an elderly woman who resides in Fairview and was without of power. She drove the woman to her house – and will be providing her with free shelter.
If you have a room  and want to offer it to a resident – please advise me.    If you want to stay with someone (provided I can find families willing to offer free room), please advise. My cell is 438 1343 –but it’s easier to e mail me: pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
PAUL FEINER

power outages in edgemont

The power outages from the hurricane have begun... Con Ed officials advise that the most effective thing you could do if you are out of power is to call their 800 number -1-800 Con Ed.

As of 3:00 P.M., the following power outages are reported throughout the unincorporated Town of Greenburgh:

· Edgemont Section;

1. Fort Hill Rd. / Paradise Dr., transformer outage, (582) customers affected.

2. Edgemont Rd. / White Oak Ln., tree down on wires, (513) customers affected.

3. Lynwood Rd. / Sherwood Pl., tree down on wires, (42) customers affected.

· Mayfair Acres Section: Chelsea Rd; tree down on wires, (82) customers affected.

Con Ed has been notified with respect to the above power outages. Con Ed customers are urged to report power outages utilizing the following contact number: 1-800-Con-Ed.

As of 3:00 P.M., Greenburgh Police report the following road closures:

1. Old Kensico Road: from Old Tarrytown Rd to Woodland Hills.

2. Ft. Hill Road: Paradise Dr. to Central Park Ave.

3. Pat Capone Road; from Pinewood to Central 7 Campus.

The Theodore Young Community Center has been designated as a short term (no lodging) shelter for people to go to. Programming and the indoor pool swimming has been suspended. We have set up at the Multi-Purpose Center for a longer period of shelter. We will activate this center as soon as someone needs to be evacuated from their home usually because of flooding or a tree into a house that makes the structure unsafe. A shelter is usually not needed because someone losses power since it usually is safer and more comfortable to remain in your home and it does not appear that cold will be a factor

From the Hartsdale Parking District..

Metered parking on the street will be suspended tomorrow (Tuesday). Metered parking in Site A and Site C is not suspended so that we can control and maintain parking for our paying permit holders. ONLY SITE A PERMIT HOLDERS can park overnight in Site A - we already have at least a dozen 24-hour permit holders who have been displaced by non-permit holders. This is creating quite a problem for us as we now have to inconvenience our paying permit holders to park in Site F rather than where they paid to park in Site A.

Please be clear when providing information to the public - EMERGENCY PARKING IS AVAILABLE TO NON-PERMIT HOLDERS IN THE SITE F GARAGE ONLY, SITE F IS LOCATED BEHIND INDIGO CHIC BOUTIQUE AT 221 EHA. IT IS BEHIND THE METRO NORTH STATION. There are still spaces available on the upper levels of Site F and it is perfectly safe to park up there.

My cell phone is 438-1343. My home phone is 478-1219. My office is 993-1545. I will try to respond to every complaint quickly..

PAUL FEINER