By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-992005.mp3
Albany, NY – New Yorkers might have heard that they had until the end of October to register with FEMA for any disaster assistance in the wake of the Irene and Lee storms. But FEMA announced on Monday that residents of the state seeking disaster assistance can now register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency until December 15th. FEMA Spokesman Chris McKniff. As of November first, McKniff reports that over 42-thousand New Yorkers have registered for help after Irene and over 15-thousand for Lee. FEMA's Chris McKniff says the numbers for registration and assistance grows each day. Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, who represents Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties, was among those who urged the federal agency to extend the deadline. Essex County Board of Supervisors Chair Randy Douglas believes most people who need assistance in his rural county have already applied. FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362. Phone lines open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.
FEMA Disaster Assistance website Representative Nan Hayworth 845-206-4600