It's the first time such a plan has been tried by FEMA, which has decided on this route because its typical options are not available in the New York metropolitan area, federal and local officials said.
"This is not a nice-to-do thing – it is a must-to-do thing," said Michael Byrne, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. "It is getting cold and people's lives are in jeopardy." The program, announced Wednesday at the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management in Bethpage, will enable families to remain in or return to their homes while permanent repairs are completed.
The program has three key components:
- Residential electrical meter repair.
- Temporary essential electrical measures, including running power lines to individual homes.
- Rapid temporary exterior repairs, such as enclosing exposed walls and roofing.
Following previous national emergencies, FEMA has housed displaced people in trailers, such as were used in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Byrne said FEMA doesn't use those trailers any more. Authorities don't know how many people are actually in need.
Some 190,000 have applied for help in the metropolitan area, far less than officials believe are in need of this kind of help. Authorities believe many are hunkered down in their cold, darkened homes. The "shelter-in-place program is still being developed. Local contractors and electrical workers will be employed by FEMA in the quick-fix efforts, said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano.
Additional federal financial assistance is available for permanent repairs to homes damaged by the storm.
Homeowners in Nassau and Suffolk who want to apply for assistance should contact their county or local officials to receive contractor support. Homeowners must be registered with FEMA: The number is 800-621-FEMA (3362).
Story and photos by Joe Dowd.
These are families that need privacy, a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area. Also many have children and this would be a very big burden on the school district. I know in some districts they are welcoming in handfuls of children displaced that are living with other family members, however this would mean more than a handful and one district may not be able to take in that many. Also, if I were a parent I would not consider moving to a dorm style setting when you do not know who may be there. There are some sick individuals out there and personal safety and the saftey of your family is of the utmost importance.
Charles Leo 631 208-6181
It just seems there was quicker response from government agencies on many issues during Katrina. I hope I'm wrong, but it seems those who suffered losses from Sandy have been personally resourceful in getting things done than what was witnessed in New Orleans.
I am interested in doing work under the STEP program and I am a licensed electrician. Thanks