National

Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to New York, November 5, 2012


NEW YORK –(ENEWSPF)–November 5, 2012. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to New York where she met with state and local officials, first responders and volunteers to discuss ongoing response and recovery efforts to Hurricane Sandy. Secretary Napolitano reiterated the ongoing support from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the rest of the federal family for communities in impacted states, as response efforts continue.

“Across New York and all the impacted states, we are continuing to deploy people, assets, and resources in response to this storm,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Together, we have made a lot of progress, but we know the road ahead will be long and recovery will take time. Our commitment is to be here for the duration – to work with you, support you, make sure you have the resources you need, and help you emerge even stronger.”

In New York, Secretary Napolitano toured the Staten Island Ferry Terminal with Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Jerrold Nadler, and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan to view recovery efforts to repair damage to the New York City transportation system caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Secretary Napolitano then traveled to Brooklyn and Coney Island, N.Y., where she visited the Seagate Community and a Point of Distribution (POD) site and Disaster Recovery Center with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Representatives Maloney and Nadler, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and other state and local officials, and received a briefing on response and recovery efforts.

In Queens, N.Y., Secretary Napolitano toured Rockaway Beach and visited a POD site with U.S. Representatives Maloney, Gregory Meeks and Bob Turner, and other state and local officials, where she thanked first responders and emergency management teams.

In support of New York and New Jersey, FEMA has provided resources such as food, water, and fuel to the states to distribute at POD sites. POD sites are centralized points where supplies are delivered and the public can pick up commodities following a disaster or emergency. The state, in coordination with local governments, identifies the location of the PODs which are currently operating in hard-hit disaster areas. Individuals should contact their local emergency management office for more information.

President Obama declared a major disaster for New York on Oct. 30. This action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester.

This federal assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business-owners recover. Those in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov, by mobile device at m.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA). The number is toll free and will operate from 7 am to 10 pm seven days a week.

For more information, visit www.fema.gov.

Source: dhs.gov


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