Where Storm Victims Ida Can Get Help in New York

The remnants of Hurricane Ida turned into disaster as it passed through the Three State territory. He turned major highways into rivers, flooded subways and streets, and caused a state of emergency in New York and New Jersey. At least 46 people died, including a child from New York, tens of thousands were left without electricity or housing due to floods. Edition NBC New York told how the victims can get help or help others, if you have the opportunity.

Food, shelter and medical care

Food banks

Today, there are hundreds of food distribution points in the city, where every resident of the megalopolis can come and receive three meals a day for free. You can find the closest point of free food and its opening hours at this link.

For a list of facilities that provide free food, look for at this link. To find the desired object, click on the search icon and enter your query (district, name of organization, etc.).

Please call in advance before traveling to one of these locations as opening times for these locations may change without prior notice.

Food banks need constant help with donations. If you want to support them, then here described how this can be done.

Catholic charities

They provide emergency services including shelter, clothing, and other social issues, regardless of religion or immigration status. General e-mail: [email protected]

• Catholic Charities of Trenton: 1-800-360-7711
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark: 973-596-4100
• Catholic Charities of Paterson: (973) 737-2077, [email protected]
• Catholic Charities Archdiocese of NY: (888) 744-7900
• Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens: (718) 722-6001
• Catholic Charities of Staten Island: (718) 984-1500

"Red Cross"

Red Cross - New Jersey

• Northern New Jersey: (973) 797-3300
• Phillipsburg: (201) 832-9953

Red Cross - New York

• American Red Cross - Greater New York: (877) 733-2767
• American Red Cross - Long Island: (516) 747-3500
• American Red Cross - Metro NY North: (203) 869-8444

Loss or damage to property

New York City Department of Financial Services

The DFS Disaster Hotline assists with insurance-related issues: 800-339-1759

Disaster relief from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The FEMA Disaster Relief Program provides assistance to homeowners, renters and business owners who have suffered significant damage following a disaster.

• 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)
• Disaster Assistance Website: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Emotional Support

If you need to talk to someone:

• In New York City, residents can call The NY Project Hope Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314. The call is free and confidential.
• In New Jersey, residents can contact NJ Mental Health Cares call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free confidential support. Help is offered by the New Jersey Department of Mental and Substance Abuse Services and the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHANJ).
• In Connecticut, adults 18 and older in need can call Support ACTION at 1-800-HOPE-135 (1-800.467.3135). ACTION provides assistance from multilingual staff to meet the needs of those who do not speak English. Children under 18 can call 211.

Contact numbers in case of a power outage

• Atlantic City Electric - 800-833-7476
• Con edison - send a REG message to OUTAGE (688243) for crash updates.
• eversource - 800-286-2000
• JCP & L - 888-544-4877
• Orange rockland - 877-434-4100
• PSEG - 800-436-7734
• PSEG Long Island 1-800-490-0075
• National Grid - 1-800-867-5222
• Wineland Municipal - 856-794-4280
• United Illuminating Company - 800-722-5584
• Norwich Public Utilities - 1-860-877-2555
• Groton utilities -1-860-446-4000

Contact numbers of gas companies

• cox: 1-877-832-7658
• Elizabethtown gas: Main number is 1-800-242-5830; To report a gas leak call 1-800-492-4009
• Frontier: 1-800-921-8101
• New jersey natural gas: The main number is 1-800-221-0051. To report a gas leak, call 1-800-427-5325.
• PSEG: The main number is 1-800-436-7734. To report a gas leak, call 1-800-436-7734.
• South jersey gas: The main number is 1-888-766-9900. To report a gas leak, call 1-800-582-7060.
• National Network: The main number is 1-800-642-4272. To report a gas leak, call 1-800-892-2345.

Useful social media pages for important information and updates

• @FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
• @femaregion2: FEMA Region 2 (serving New Jersey and New York)
• @GovKathyHochul - Governor of New York Katie Hockool
• @nygov - Official New York State Government Twitter Account
• @NYSDHSES - New York State Security and Emergency Services
• @nyspolice - New York State Police
• @NYSDOT - New York State Department of Transportation
• @NotifyNYC - Official New York City Emergency Alert System
• NWSNewYorkNY - New York State National Weather Service
• MTA - New York State Transportation Department
• LIRR - Long Island Railroad
• @RedCrossNY - New York Red Cross

New York City Emergency Management Department

State Surveillance Center (XNUMX/XNUMX): 518-292-2200

New York State emergency information and action guidelines are available at: https://alert.ny.gov/

Important tips for dealing with a hurricane

Use generators safely

In most cases, a generator is used to run multiple household items during a temporary power outage. When using a generator:

• Do not overload the generator. Read and follow the wattage recommendations in the user manual.
• Use a grounded outdoor extension cord to connect to the generator.
• Be sure to connect individual appliances to the generator outlet. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual and use the generator as intended.
• Do not plug the generator back into a normal indoor outlet. This will create many hazards, including fire.
• Do not use portable generators in confined spaces such as a garage, basement, or porch. Use the device as far away from home as possible. Avoid placing it in close proximity to vents, doors or windows.

Use candles carefully

During a power outage, using battery-powered lamps and flashlights is the safest option for emergency lighting.

On the subject: Ida dealt a huge blow to New York: the storm killed 46 people in a day

If you need to use candles, be extremely careful. The National Candlelight Association has prepared a series of tips that include banning candles as a spotlight or nightlight. You should also make sure that candles are always supervised and out of reach of children and pets. A complete list of tips can be found here.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases with power outages. There are several steps you can take to avoid exposure to this odorless, colorless, deadly gas.

• Try to install a working carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home next to sleeping areas. Test each device and make sure it is working correctly. The batteries should be replaced twice a year.
• Do not use portable generators in confined spaces such as a garage, basement, or porch. Use the device as far away from home as possible. Avoid placing in close proximity to vents, doors or windows.
• Do not use ovens to generate heat. Do not leave the oven doors open and do not boil water for a long time. When using stoves during a power outage, make sure the room is well ventilated.
• Do not run cars or any other gas powered equipment in garages or other enclosed spaces. Make sure all operations are carried out outdoors with full ventilation.
• Study the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. These include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Leave your home and seek medical attention if you or your family member experience this.

Insurance issues

It is important to review your insurance policy to see if your specific property damage is covered by your policy.

Many homeowner's insurances do not include flood protection with standard insurance.

Flood insurance is usually offered through the federal national flood insurance program or through a private insurance company.

Some policies do include wind damage or hurricane damage. They are often reflected in your policy with a special withholding.

If you have specific questions, please contact your local insurance agent.

Help those in need

Food banks in three states are the main providers of emergency food during a crisis. They supply resources to local storerooms and service organizations.

You can help by texting FOOD to 707070 where you will receive a mobile friendly Apple Pay compatible link to donate to our local food banks. Please note that processing fees will be deducted from your mobile donation unless you choose to cover these costs.

Community needs have already reached record levels, and many food banks are facing the loss of volunteers. Therefore, food banks were forced to rely on financial donations to replenish shelves, deliver stable goods to families, and keep the food chain stable in emergencies.

For more information and to make a donation, visit:

• New York City: Food Bank for New York City
• Long Island: Island harvest, Long island cares
• Northern new jersey: Community Food Bank of New Jersey
• Monmouth and ocean counties: Fulfill NJ
• Fairfield County: Connecticut food bank
• Westchester County: Feeding Westchester
• Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan Counties: Food Bank of the Hudson Valley

Open your home to a stray pet

This is the time of year when our animal shelters and rescue services are often at full capacity due to the spring brood of offspring. However, the long-term impact of the pandemic has resulted in continued restrictions on work and a decrease in the number of volunteers. But the day-to-day needs of our furry friends have only grown.

During this time, NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47 have partnered with dozens of local animal shelters and rescue services to bring loving families with dogs, cats and other pets together in all three states. With our Clear the Shelters campaign, you can view pets in need from the comfort of your home, make an appointment at a shelter or rescue - and complete the adoption process at your convenience.

Visit ClearTheShelters.com to get started today.

You can also help by making an online donation to local animal shelters and rescue services. Visit the Greater Good Donation Site CharitiesClearTheSheltersFund.org.