On Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, Hurricane Ida came down on NYC with a force, leaving behind a trail of destruction along the east coast and other parts of the U.S.
In New York, the torrential rain of the storm brought about submerged subway lines and left airlines grounded. Many New Yorkers also found themselves grappling with power outages, flooded basements, damaged homes, and stranded family and friends, prompting the Mayor to declare a state of emergency. As the city begins recovering and clean-up efforts, many NYC tenants are doing the same.
We've compiled a list of Hurricane Ida resources to help NYC Tenants find the help they need as they try to move forward after the storm.
(These are the most up-to-date and relevant resources as of September 4, 2021. )
Credits: Gregg Vigliotti, The New York Times. On Peck Avenue in Queens, residents tossed out items ruined by flooding. Credit...Gregg Vigliotti for The New York Times. Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/03/nyregion/nyc-ida.html
FEMA Resources for Hurricane Ida in NYC
On September 2nd, President Joe Biden officially declared a state of emergency in New York and other northeast. The federal recognition of an emergency makes NYC eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, such as the authority to coordinate disaster relief efforts, including identifying, mobilizing, and providing equipment and resources at its discretion.
However, the federal government has yet to authorize an important aspect of relief which is FEMA's individual assistance which assists those affected with paying for repairs to their home and other expenses. Nonetheless, victims should still be proactive if seeking relief from their insurance companies if flooding is covered in their policy.
How to file a personal insurance claim from Hurricane Ida
Although FEMA individual assistance isn’t yet available to New York City, one should still be aware of the process and ready to submit a claim when/if it is permitted for New Yorkers to do so.
However, if your renters insurance has additional flood coverage, you should file a claim ASAP.
Here’s how you can file an insurance claim:
- Document all the damages from floodwater and sewage.
- Take photos and videos wherever necessary.
- Call your insurance company and get assistance.
- Apply for individual assistance or grants online from FEMA in NYC when it’s made available. You can check the status of FEMA assistance in your location here.
Note: FEMA will provide financial assistance to eligible individuals if their county or borough in NYC has individual aid. FEMA may provide up to $33,000 for home repair assistance.
Get additional assistance and information at:
- www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- Calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
- Download FEMA App from the Apple or Google Play stores.
Video Credits: Historic flooding cripples NYC transit system l GMA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IivUvAZaqBI&ab_channel=GoodMorningAmerica
Reporting Damage By Hurricane Ida In NYC
If you're an NYC tenant and have experienced significant damage to your property from Hurricane Ida, you should report it asap. You can report damage to your property by calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service or TTY: 212-504-4115).
Additionally, NYC tenants can use Damage Assessment Tool online. The tool collects damage information from New Yorkers and assesses impact in an area.
Staying Up-To-Date on Resources For Hurricane Ida in NYC
New York City renters can stay updated on Hurricane Ida resources by signing up for Notify NYC. It’s a free emergency notification system for NYC.
To sign up, you can visit here NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311.
Finding Shelters In NYC after Hurricane Ida
If it's not safe for you to return home and you need temporary shelter in and around NYC, several open shelters are available around NYC. These shelters are certified under the Red Cross, and you’ll find the necessary help.
- Mamaroneck High School, 1000 W. Boston Post Road, NY, 10543
- International High School, 200 Grand Street, NJ, 7501
You can find more information on shelters here.
Returning Home After A Hurricane In NYC
Credits: Dakota Santiago, The New York Times. The 56th Street underpass on Flushing Avenue, where floodwaters rose high and claimed many vehicles attempting to cross earlier.Credit...Dakota Santiago for The New York Times. Link: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/09/02/nyregion/nyc-storm#nyc-subway-transit-updates
Hurricane Ida bought unprecedented destruction to NYC, and while the hurricane has passed, returning to normalcy in NYC may be particularly difficult for many in the weeks to come.
Here are some steps you should take as you make the return home after Hurricane Ida in NYC.
- Be informed of local information and special instructions by NYC officials.
- The pandemic is persisting. Protect yourself and your community by following CDC guidelines on Covid-19 in your shelter or home. Furthermore, disasters cause additional stress. If you or someone you know need help managing stress, follow these guidelines.
- Cleaning up after a disaster can be difficult. Be careful, wear protective clothing, use appropriate face masks and stay 6 feet apart while working in a group. Here are some additional tips for renters on mold cleanup after disasters. People with lung conditions or immunosuppressed shouldn’t enter homes after a disaster nor take part in any cleanup.
- Don’t handle electrical equipment if it’s wet or if you’re standing on a damp surface. Always turn off the electricity at the main breaker before using them.
- Avoid floodwaters as they are usually contaminated with chemicals, disease-causing germs, waste and wildlife.
- Use text messages or social media to stay connected with family, friends and emergency services.
- FEMA guidelines on using generators
Additional Resources:
CDC Guidelines on Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
