Addabbo: You can file a claim for water damage after Hurricane Ida

The remnants of Hurricane Ida pounded sections of Queens causing devastating flooding, property damage and unfortunately the loss of life. State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. wants anyone who suffered damages from the flood waters to know that they can file a claim with New York City to report the damages, and get help from the state and federal government as well.

On the city level, residents can file a claim for water damage or loss with the NYC Comptroller’s Office either online, in-person or through certified mail. Claims served by personal delivery or by registered or certified mail must be notarized and delivered within 90 days from the date of occurrence to: Office of the New York City Comptroller, 1 Centre Street, Room 1225, New York, NY 10007.

For more information on how to file a claim with the Comptroller’s Office, visit https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/file-a-claim/.

To file an e-claim, visit https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/e-filing/.

To learn how to file a claim through certified mail or in-person, visit https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/in-person-filing/.

On the state level, an online resource hub for New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Ida launched this week, which provides information on available assistance programs and where to find services such as shelter and access to food. The information on the site will be updated as more resources become available.

That information can be found here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/governors-relief-and-response-resources.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also been authorized to provide relief from Hurricane Ida. Individuals should visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., 7 days a week. Residents should be aware that phone calls from FEMA might appear to come from an unidentified number.

Additionally, a walk-in service center to offer support to those affected by the flash flood emergency has been created at I.S. 125Q, Thomas J. McCann Woodside Intermediate School, located at 46-02 47th Avenue, in Woodside. This center will be open each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and provide in-person support and information on resources and services available. NYC government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations will be on-site to help connect families and individuals to critical services, including enrollment in public benefits and health insurance, housing, food assistance, and mental health counseling.

“This storm caused historic rainfall that flooded parts of my district that rarely see that level of water,” Addabbo said. “Unfortunately, many residents lost a lot of belongings to the flood waters, and some even lost their lives. While we cannot replace the items and lives that were lost, we can help those residents be reimbursed for their losses. I encourage anyone who suffered a loss due to the recent flooding to reach out and file a claim with the city, or access the state programs to find the resources they need to get back on their feet.”

For more post-storm resources, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/resources/ida.page