See Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Hurricane Sandy information page for links to recovery resources.

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As part of our new Connect to Recovery initiative to help people hurt by Hurricane Sandy, UJA-Federation today made the first $1.3 million in allocations to network agencies, synagogues, and day school families.

The initial allocations, authorized by a committee of lay leaders chaired by former UJA-Federation President John M. Shapiro, are part of a relief effort started Sunday when UJA-Federation made available up to $10 million to respond to urgent needs arising from the most devastating natural disaster to have ever struck the New York area.

Work being done in the hardest hit areas, such as Zone A in New York City and the south shore of Long Island, was given top priority in our initial allocations.

In the first grants, close to 30 agencies will receive funds for reimbursement of extraordinary expenses related to the hurricane. The money will provide emergency food, temporary housing, financial counseling, emergency cash assistance, and more. Close to 30 synagogues also received initial funding and there was money allocated to day schools for scholarships to families who were severely impacted by the storm.

“Our network agencies and synagogues are doing the vital work of helping people put their lives back together. We don’t want them to have to worry about where the money is coming from. This is just the beginning,” Shapiro said.

Read Jewish Week’s editorial praising our relief efforts, Stepping Up to Provide Relief.

View our updated photo gallery to see images of the Jewish community’s response to Hurricane Sandy.

For those who want to help, everyday we are updating a list of volunteer opportunities in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island.

UJA-Federation opened the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. Funds raised will be used to provide support to agencies and communities that have been impacted by the devastation. One hundred percent of the funds will be used for aid; no administrative costs will be applied.

For a good overview of all federal programs click to the Federal Disaster Relief Funding Assistance Hurricane Sandy Guidebook. This guide and the information below is NY-specific but the basic information and steps involved apply throughout the region.

General guidance

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals and some organizations in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk, Queens, Westchester and Rockland counties. If your county is not listed, don’t give up hope. Sometimes the disaster declaration is expanded. As we receive more information we’ll send it out.

First step: Assessment and safety

As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it’s time to start the recovery process. Here’s what you can do to begin restoring your personal or organizational home (from floodsmart.gov).

• If your home or organizational building has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
• Check for structural damage before re-entering to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
• Take photos of any floodwater in your home or building and save any damaged personal property.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
• Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Use bottled water or boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
• Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
• Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.
• For more guidance, see the Recovering after an emergency or disaster from the Red Cross.

Second step: Filing an insurance claim

Your insurance policy is your first line of defense. Here’s a refresher on hurricane deductibles and flood coverage from the New York Times. Filing an insurance claim is usually a three-phase process:

Phase 1

After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, you can contact your insurance agent or company again. Make sure you have the following information handy:

• The name of your insurance company
• Your policy number
• A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

Phase 2

• Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.
• Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.
• Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible. Follow the instructions provided by local officials.

Phase 3

• Your adjuster will provide you a Proof of Loss form for your official claim for damages. You’ll need to file this claim with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.
• You’ll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss form. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.

Read more about insurance claims: How to file your claim now [PDF 78K].

Third step: applying for FEMA assistance

FEMA assistance will cover some uninsured or underinsured losses.

• Individuals and Families
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Businesses

Read More After Sandy: Recovery 101