Hurricane Irene Assistance Information
The Catskill region of New York State was severely hit by Hurricane Irene this past weekend. Massive damage and devastation has been experienced in Ulster County, particularly in the Town of Shandaken, and the Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County staff of the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program have been working with local, state, and federal agencies to aid in disaster relief and restoration efforts.
The following are some information and resources for affected landowners, communities, and businesses throughout Ulster County on how to stay informed, access assistance, and help others.
Catskill Watershed Corporation Stream Corridor Protection Program
Stream Corridor Protection Debris Removal Program:
In December 2011, the program was modified as Article 12-A and refunded to provide grants for the removal of flood debris in stream channels and/or floodplains in the Watershed. Only towns, villages or owners of property in need of flood debris removal, or Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) acting on their behalf, may apply. Preference will be given to projects in West-of-Hudson Watershed areas flooded by Tropical Storms Irene and/or Lee on or after August 28, 2011. Eligible costs may include project labor, fuel, equipment, and materials necessary for flood-debris removal.
Stream Corridor Debris Removal Program Rules
Stream Corridor Protection Debris Removal Application Form
Apply for FEMA Disaster Recovery Funding and Finding Other Assistance
President Obama has declared NYS a federal disaster area, making Federal emergency funding available to people in the counties of Albany, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Ulster. Applications can be made starting Thursday, September 1st at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).
Federal Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Two disaster recovery centers are available at Belleayre and at the Business Resource Center (BRC) in Kingston on Albany Avenue. These offices house not only FEMA personnel but state and local officials that can process individual and business requests for assistance.
Businesses affected by Irene can find resources in Ulster County on the Ulster County Development Corporation's website http://www.ulsterbizhelp.com/.
Individuals can also contact 211 in Ulster County to identify other assistance. This service is provided by the United Way of Ulster County and helps people find help for specific needs.
The Phoenicia Rotary has set up an information tent in front of Mamma's boy Main St Phoenicia. We have volunteers ready and able to assist homeowners with removing wet furniture from homes as well as removing some of the muck and mud from cellar floors. Other info and help is available. Also available at the Rotary tent are shovels, clean up kits, rakes, gloves, masks etc.
The Methodist Church in Phoenicia has much more clothing available at no cost than they know what to do with including toys for tots and non perishable food.
View more information from FEMA on New York Hurricane Irene
Stay Informed
There are many ways to stay up-to-date on the local effects of Hurricane Irene and the recovery efforts:
- Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers should visit their website (www.cenhud.com/hurricaneirene) to view the latest updates on outages, dry ice & bottled water distribution, and emergency shelters
- NYSEG customers can visit their website (www.nyseg.com/outages) for updates on power outages and dry ice & water distribution locations
- Ulster County Emergency Services can be reached at 845-338-1440 for emergency assistance. Their website provides up to date information about road closures and other information about the recovery effort.
- Ulster County Development Corporation has information for Hurricane-affected businesses http://www.ulsterbizhelp.com/ or 845-331-0106.
- The Watershed Post has emerged as a leading resource for information, pictures, and stories about the hurricane. Visit www.watershedpost.com/tags/hurricane-irene.
- Visit the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program Facebook site for updates or send us your e-mail to be included in our periodic e-mail updates.
Be Prepared
Flooding is an on-going threat in the Catskills. The following sites can help Catskill residents and businesses to reduce their future risk.
- New York State All-Hazards Alert and Notification (NY-Alert) is part of New York State’s ongoing commitment to provide New Yorkers with information so that they will understand the risks and threats that they may face and know how to respond accordingly. The information posted includes severe weather warnings, significant highway closures, hazardous materials spills, and many other emergency conditions. By signing up for NY-Alert, you can receive warnings and emergency information via the web, your cell phone, email and other technologies. Signing up for NY Alert is free.
- National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service website provides flood and flash flood forcasts for stream gagues around the country. The site provides a 48 hour prediction (updated regularly) of stream conditions.
- Flood Insurance is a key part of planning for flood events as normal homeowners insurance generally does not cover floods. It is especially critical for 2nd homeowners as only primary homes are covered by federal disaster assistance. For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program go to www.floodsmart.gov.
Report Stream Damage to Property or Request Technical Assistance
Private property damage resulting from stream erosion or waterway damage should be reported to the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program. Call the Phoenicia office at (845) 688-3047 or email cory.ritz@ashokanstreams.org to report damage and discuss assistance options.
County highway departments, contractors, and road crews are encouraged to contact the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program to discuss infrastructure repairs relating to streams or drainage ways. Call the Phoenicia office at (845) 688-3047 or email cory.ritz@ashokanstreams.org.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is providing general assistance and guidance to help local communities address damaged facilities, debris disposal and solid waste. Visit www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/8751.html for information.
DEC is also deploying spill response teams to assess flooding related spills throughout the impacted areas. DEC operates a 24-hour Emergency Spill Hotline (1-800-457-7362) for the public to notify the department of suspected spills.
DEC Permit Information
Emergency Permit Information (link to DEC Emergency Permit memo)
The Commissioner’s Declaration authorized the Department, pursuant to Environmental Conservation Law Article 70, to issue Emergency Authorizations where, in the Department’s judgment, immediate action is necessary to address an imminent threat to life, health, property, general welfare or natural resources.
This Authorization hereby allows emergency work to occur in navigable waters, streams and wetlands regulated under Environmental Conservation Law Article 15 and Article 24. The work hereby allowed must be immediately necessary to address an imminent threat to life, health, property, the general welfare and natural resources. All work carried out under this Authorization must be conducted in a minimally invasive manner, consistent with the goals of the restoration work. Non‐critical work is not allowed by this Authorization.
Any person performing work under this Authorization must notify the Department as soon as reasonably possible, providing the location and scope of work being done. If possible, notification must occur before work starts.
Contact Information
Region 3 (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster & Westchester) Alec Ciesluk NYSDEC 21 South Putt Corners Rd. New Paltz, NY 12561‐1620 FAX: 845‐255‐3042 PHONE:845‐256‐3054
General Permit Information (link to DEC General Permit memo and application)
For all other streamwork related to Hurricane Irene DEC has issued a general permit application. The application is to request authorization under the DEC General Permit for non-emergency cleanup and repair work in DEC Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 necessitated by the Hurricane Irene flooding of August 28-29, 2011.
This General Permit authorizes specific types of repair and restorative work while eliminating the usual application procedures and public notification requirements.
The types of projects that are allowed under this permit are:
- Installation or repair of rock rip-rap or other permanent streambank stabilization measures.
- Stream channel restoration (including excavation/removal of sand, gravel and bedrock and the use of temporary coffer dams and fill) to pre-flood depth, width, gradient and channel character matching the stable stream channel upstream and downstream of the project area in order to protect or restore structures such as roads, utility lines, bridges, houses and other pre-existing buildings.
- Debris (trees, logs, stumps, brush, trash, metal, concrete) removal.
- Bridge or culvert replacement or repair.
Contact Information
Region 3 (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster & Westchester) Regional Permit Administrator, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561-1696 PHONE: (845) 256-3054
email: r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Help Others
- The Catskills Irene Relief Resources forum has a listing of emergency relief efforts organized by county. The listings include donation and volunteer opportunities.
- Donate to a Catskill Flooding Relief Center.
- United Way of Ulster County is collecting donations to assist in the Irene recovery effort.
- The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York needs immediate volunteers for storm relief.
- Belleayre is in need of help with meal prep for the people staying there including displaced residents, National guardsmen and regular Army persons.
Returning Home After a Flood
As communities and families continue to rebuild and recover from Irene, there are several important things to consider when returning to residences and buildings inundated by the flood.
Check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
In some hard-hit areas, the code enforcement officer and fire marshals may have inspected the property. If you find a notice on your house it means that a preliminary (external) safety inspection has been done. They are using a red, yellow, green code. This is what the code means:
Inspected (green): The structure has been inspected and no apparent structural hazard has been found.
Restricted Use (yellow): The structure has been inspected and found to be damaged. Entry, occupancy, and lawful use are restricted as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer.
Unsafe (red): The structure has been inspected, found to be seriously damaged and is unsafe to occupy.
Do not enter if:
-
You smell gas.
-
Floodwaters remain around the building.
-
Your home was damaged by fire and authorities have not declared it safe.
Going Inside Your Home:
-
Natural Gas: If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence.
-
Electricity: Do not touch electrical components if you are wet or standing in water. Turn off electricity and unplug appliances until wires are dry. Have appliances inspected before use.
-
Water: Flood waters may be contaminated with fecal matter and bacteria. Be aware of hygiene - wash hands and keep cuts and sores clean and use antibiotic ointment. Do not let children play in flood water. Check media for boil water advisories.
-
Prevent Mold Growth: Mold can cause disease and allergies. Remove standing water, all wet materials, and ventilate with fans and use dehumidifiers. If mold has already grown in the house, consult a professional. Be careful of mixing household cleaners as some combinations can produce very toxic fumes.
For More Information
The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN)is a collaborative educational network based at Cornell University, dedicated to educating New York residents about preventing, preparing for and recovering from emergencies and disasters that could affect their families and communities. NY EDEN is affiliated with both the national USDA EDEN network and with Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
NY EDEN works to link the emergency preparedness resources of New York agencies and organizations with the community networking and outreach capabilities of Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Centers throughout the state. EDEN provides fact-sheets and information resources for NYS residents about preparing for and recovering from floods. They are available on their website and are also available by contacting Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program Staff at (845) 688-3047 (emh56@cornell.edu)