Meeting with Local Officials While Surveying Storm-Ravaged Parts of Nassau

I toured several parts of Nassau County on Thursday and met with local officials to learn firsthand what their needs are in these critical first days after the storm.

Long Island is hurting badly and the federal and state government need to do everything they can to help our local communities. Whether it’s getting the power back on, or clearing the roads, or repairing the water system, or helping relieve the current gas shortage, Washington and Albany can work to help and I’m determined to help coordinate.

I toured several communities on the South Shore of Nassau County and met with the mayors and emergency management teams of both East Rockaway and Freeport. My staff and I are continuing to reach out to other parts of my district as well.

I urge residents to keep thorough records of their losses and expenses from before and after the storm, for the most efficient insurance claim and reimbursement process possible.

Residents may call FEMA at 800-621-3362 to apply for disaster assistance, which includes direct assistance as well as loans for individuals, families and businesses.

On Octoer 31, I visited Nassau County’s coordinated emergency management facility at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage, which  hosts federal, state and local officials, as well as local utilities like LIPA and National Grid.

On October 30 I surveyed the damage on Long Island from the air, on a U.S. Coast Guard plane with her Congressional colleagues.

I haven’t seen storm damage this bad in my lifetime here on Long Island.

Residents of the 4th Congressional District who need help or have questions may contact my district office at 516-739-3008.

Carolyn McCarthy is the representative of New York’s Fourth Congressional District. She was first elected in 1996.