FEMA is back in New York, as the state works to recover from the deadly flash floods caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration late Thursday night for more than a dozen downstate counties, opening the door to federal resources.

However, a key aspect of federal support is so far not unlocked: FEMA’s individual assistance, which helps storm victims pay for certain home repairs and other expenses.

What You Need To Know

  • President Biden approved an emergency declaration late Thursday night for more than a dozen downstate counties, opening the door to federal resources

  • Individual assistance, which helps storm victims pay for certain home repairs and other expenses, has so far not been approved. Damage assessments are underway.

  • A FEMA leader argues the agency has made strides since Superstorm Sandy, when an after-action report identified shortcomings in its storm response

On Friday, Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis and other New Yorkers drafted a letter to Biden, urging him to deploy the Individuals and Households Program.

Any decision on individual assistance, though, could still be days off. Damage assessments key to that decision are underway.

“FEMA is out there in the field with our partners at the state and local level, looking at the damage to determine really what the other resources and what the other programs are needed,” said John Rabin, FEMA’s assistant administrator for field operations.

As of now, Rabin urges those affected by Ida to document any damage and report it to their insurance company.

Lessons from Superstorm Sandy

It was nearly nine years ago that Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc on the New York region.

A FEMA after-action review highlighted shortcomings within the agency’s response to the storm, including the need to improve coordination with local and state governments. It also identified lack of experience among members of FEMA’s staff.

Rabin argues they have made strides since then, saying they are already seeing the "benefits" from collaboration with different levels of government.

"We are embedded in New York state, up in Albany with the State Emergency Operations Center," he said. “We're embedded with New York City Office of Emergency Management.”

As for the agency's staff, Rabin said, "Never in the history of FEMA have we had a workforce that is as experienced in disaster management, as ready to respond to disaster management."

A period of disasters

The flooding in New York comes as the nation is balancing a host of other disasters, including wildfires out west and, of course, the damage caused by Hurricane Ida on the Gulf Coast.

Could the agency be stretched too thin?

Rabin offered reassurances that they are not alone in their storm response.

“We bring the entire federal family to disasters,” he said, pointing to the role played by the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services, plus the American Red Cross.

------

Did you know you can now watch, read and stay informed with NY1 wherever and whenever you want? Get the new Spectrum News app here.