Barraga Urges Sandy Victims to Register with FEMA

West Islip residents who have suffered devastating losses due to Hurricane Sandy are urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as soon as possible to apply for aid.

According to a statement sent out by Suffolk Legislator Thomas Barraga, before applying to FEMA, residents should contact their homeowners’ insurance agency, and then register with FEMA or www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362.

"Be sure to document all damage by taking photos before any sort of clean-up and take notes of dates, times etc. and keep track of all expenses. Failure to file a claim with your insurance company may affect your eligibility for assistance," Barraga said in the release.

Once a resident has applied, a FEMA inspector will come to your house to assess damage. Barraga reminds the public that FEMA agents will not ask for personal information.

"Please be aware that FEMA Inspectors will carry official photo identification and WILL NOT ask you any additional information that was already provided on your registration form. DO NOT supply them with any personal information," he said.

For those who are eligible for assistance, FEMA funds are paid through a grant and are depostied directly into a savings or checking account.

To assist residents in the process, a FEMA command post has been established at 401 Main Street in Islip.