Larkin Urges Residents to Apply for Fema Disaster Aid

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) is urging individuals and businesses in Ulster and Orange counties who were impacted by Hurricane Irene to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and apply for federal disaster assistance.

"Ulster County has been designated as a federal disaster area and its residents and businesses are therefore eligible for federal disaster aid," said Senator Larkin. "Although Orange and a few other hard-hit counties in the Hudson Valley have not received the disaster designation, FEMA officials are still encouraging the residents in these communities to apply for aid. Applying will get you in FEMA’s system and get the ball rolling."

To apply for disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-FEMA or visit www.disasterassistance.gov.

"Applying with FEMA is the first step toward receiving aid," said Senator Larkin. "So if your home or business was damaged or completely destroyed by Irene, you should contact FEMA immediately to discover what kind of assistance is available to you."

Larkin noted that he expects Orange County to be added to the list of disaster areas in the near future.