OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO REPORT STORM DAMAGE TO 311

Information Collected May Assist City in its bid for Federal Disaster Assistance

The New York City Office of Emergency Management encourages New Yorkers affected by this weekend’s storm to report damage to their homes and businesses to 311.  The data will be collected and mapped, and used to direct federal disaster assessment teams scheduled to tour areas affected by the storm.

The City must meet certain damage thresholds to qualify for FEMA’s disaster assistance program. While reporting damage to 311 does not qualify home or business owners for individual assistance, it will provide OEM a more accurate assessment of the impacts of the storm across the five boroughs. Unless the City meets overall damage thresholds that allow individuals and businesses to submit claims for assistance, requests for FEMA support will not be considered by the federal government.

Information reported to 311 about damage to homes and businesses will not be used for any purpose other than assisting OEM in directing federal disaster assessment teams.

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Contact:  Chris Gilbride / Seth E. Andrews – 718.422.4888