WESTERN NEW YORK STORM RESPONSE INFORMATION

Federal Major Disaster Declaration: On October 24, 2006, the President declared a major disaster for the State of New York triggering the release of federal funds to help individuals and communities recover from the severe storms and flooding that began October 12-13, 2006.  If you would like to check your eligibility for aid, please call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA.

The links below provide information about the declaration and the assistance it makes available.  If you cannot open the links, please make sure that you have Adobe Reader installed on your computer.

• Federal Major Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet
• Assistance to Individuals and Households: The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet the needs through other means.
• FEMA Public Assistance:  Public Assistance is oriented to public entities and can fund the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of a public facility or infrastructure, which is damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
  

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

• EMERGENCIES: 911
• City of Buffalo Call and Resolution Center: 851-4890
• Erie County Emergency Operations Center: 681-6070
• Rural Metro Medical Services: 882-8400 (then dial 0 or 1)
• Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA): 836-4954
• National Grid (Electric): 1-800-642-4272 (1-800-NIAGARA)
• National Fuel (Gas): 1-800-444-3130
• Verizon (Phone): 890-6611
• New York State Electric & Gas: 1-800-572-1131 (OUTSIDE OF BUFFALO)
• Buffalo Sewer Authority: 851-4664 ext. 222
• American Red Cross: 878-2353
• FEMA: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
• NYS Attorney General (Price Gouging): 1-800-771-7755
• NFTA ParaTransit Service: 855-7239 (by appointment)
• NFTA General Information: 855-7211

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Electrical Safety: DO NOT TOUCH ANY DOWNED WIRES OR METAL NEAR DOWNED WIRES and avoid puddles near downed wires.  Remember power could come on suddenly, endangering you and your family.  Turn off all electrical devices until the power comes back on and do not enter a wet basement until you are sure it is safe.
• Alternate Heating Sources: If you use a fireplace, wood stove, or portable kerosene heater to stay warm, be sure there is adequate ventilation to the outside. Without enough fresh air, carbon monoxide fumes can build up in your home. Never use a natural gas or propane stove/oven to heat your home. If you are using a kerosene heater, use l-K grade kerosene only. Never substitute with fuel oil, diesel, gasoline or yellow (regular) kerosene.  Open a window to provide ventilation when a portable kerosene heater is in use to reduce carbon monoxide fumes inside the home. If you plan to cook on a barbeque grill or camp stove, remember these also produce carbon monoxide and are for outdoor use only.
• Fire safety: When adding fuel to a space heater, or wood to a wood stove or fireplace, wear non-flammable gloves and clothing. Never add fuel to a space heater when it is hot. The fuel can ignite, burning you and your home. Keep the heater away from objects that can burn, such as furniture, rugs or curtains. If you have a fire extinguisher, keep it nearby. Be careful with candles-never leave them burning if you leave the room. Keep children away from space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid accidental burns.
• Food safety: Do not eat spoiled food.  If in need, contact the Buffalo City Mission at 854-8181

• City of Buffalo
• Erie County Website
• NYSDOH Weathering Storms Tool Kit
• Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes
• General Flood Information
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
• Flyer - Generator Safety
• Hypothermia – It doesn’t have to be freezing to get it