Disaster Relief Information & Resources
Superstorm Sandy caused widespread destruction and devastation across the Tri-State. Below is a list of resources for disaster assistance and information on cleaning up and rebuilding after the storm.
RED CROSS:
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers. There is a possibility that more shelters will have to be open to accommodate folks who were forced to evacuate. The Red Cross says now is the time to volunteer. To do so, an individual must be:
- Over the age of 16
- Available for 12 hour shift from Wednesday, Oct. 31 to Friday, Nov. 2.
- Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
- Comfortable working with people in stressful situations
For a guide on how to recover after a disaster, click here.
Search for open shelters by texting: SHELTER and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA). Ex: Shelter 01234 (std rates apply) or click here.
For more from the Red Cross or to donate, visit www.redcross.org.
For local Red Cross chapters, see below:
New York
New Jersey
- American Red Cross of Camden and Burlington Counties
- American Red Cross of Central New Jersey
- American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey
- Jersey Coast Chapter
- New Jersey Crossroads
- Southern Shore Chapter
- South Jersey Chapter
Connecticut
DISASTER DISTRESS COUNSELING:
FEMA:
Individuals and businesses affected by Sandy in eligible counties in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut can apply for disaster assistance. Click here for more information.
Before you apply for disaster assistance, click here for what you need to know.
Click here for the steps you need to take after you apply for assistance.
To search for a disaster recovery center near you or to learn more, click here.
If you can't return home and have immediate housing needs, Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
For more information from FEMA, visit www.fema.gov.
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF NY:
Hurricane Sandy Information Center
SALVATION ARMY:
For disaster relief information from the Salvation Army, click here.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICES:
New York
- New York State OEM
- New York City OEM
- Nassau County OEM
- Suffolk County OEM
- Westchester County OEM
- Rockland County OEM
New Jersey
Connecticut
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
In Suffolk County, click here for small business resources.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
- FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
- NY Hurricane Sandy Helpline: 1-888-769-7243 or 1-518-485-1159
- NJ Helpline: Dial 2-1-1 or 877-652-1148
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Report Price Gouging In NJ: 862-209-0130 or 973-220-3474
PETS
Frantic pet owners who left their four-legged friends behind in their rush to evacuate can now call a 24-hour city hotline run by the NYC Animal Planning Task Force in hopes of getting their pets back. The hotline number is 347-573-1561, and is staffed 24 hours a day with people or voicemail options.
In New Jersey, Gov. Christie announced a 24-hour hotline for residents affected by Hurricane Sandy who left their pets behind when evacuating their homes in advance of the storm. The phone number to call is 1-855-407-4787 (1-855-407-HSUS).
IF YOU WANT TO HELP
NYC Service, a city government volunteer agency, is coordinating outreach efforts for victims of the storm. To help, email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name, e-mail address and borough, or check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/nycservice
In New Jersey, volunteers can call 1-800-Jersey-7.
You can also check out our comprehensive donation and volunteer guide here.
