CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN ANNOUNCES RELIEF IS ON THE WAY FOLLOWING PRESIDENT BIDEN’S MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION

Congressman Pat Ryan Announces Relief is on the Way Following President Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Declaration of Major Disaster makes significant additional federal resources available for Hudson Valley flood recovery

WASHINGTON, DC  – Today, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Orange and Dutchess Counties, unlocking significant FEMA assistance directed to local governments to bolster storm recovery efforts. This declaration follows Ryan’s call last week to mobilize additional federal resources given the catastrophic damage across the Hudson Valley.  

“The last few weeks have been devastating and heartbreaking for our community, especially for families in Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery, and Cornwall. I’m proud to announce that desperately-needed federal assistance is on the way,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I want to thank President Biden for swiftly approving the declaration, Governor Hochul for mobilizing an effective state-wide response, and our local leaders, especially Orange County Executive Neuhaus, for their incredible work on the ground.  I’ll keep fighting until everyone impacted has the resources they need and deserve.”

RESOURCES

New York State’s self-reporting tool can help residents and businesses document property and building damage as federal, state, and local aid is delivered. 

Flood victims are advised to begin the insurance claims process immediately and can adhere to the following guidance:

• Immediately report your loss to your insurance agent or company. If you are unsure how to or who to contact, the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at 877-336-2627 can help.  Be prepared with your insurance policy declarations page on hand.
• Photograph and video the inside and outside of your property prior to any clean up and before discarding anything.
• Document make, model, and serial number of damaged and significant appliances (e.g. washers and dryers, computer, TVs, etc.).
• Collect samples of furnishings that will need replacement to provide (e.g. flooring, carpeting, drapes, etc.).
• After documenting damage, discard any flooded property like perishable food, clothing, pillows, etc. that could develop mold. Standard Flood Insurance Policies often do not cover mold damage when a policyholder fails to take action within their control to prevent mold.

FEMA provides a complete guide to filing flood damage insurance claims available here and a guide to clean up and disaster relief here. 

The following local organizations are providing additional relief:

• Catholic Charities of Orange & Ulster Counties: (845) 294-5124
• RECAP: (845) 342-3978
• United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region Helpline: 2-1-1
• Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan Counties: (845) 769-9393
  • The Community Foundation is also offering the William J. Larkin Community Response Task Force Fund grants for flood recovery. Learn more here. 
• Orange County Department of Social Services: (845) 291-4000
• Jewish Family Service of Orange County: (845) 341-1173 x 300
• Sacred Heart Church: (845) 446-4609
• Mental Health Association of Orange County: (845) 342-2400

RUPCO is distributing homeowners grants of up to $50,000 for Orange County residents making at or below 80% of the area's median income. Learn more here or call (845) 713-4568 ext. 114.

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