Stamford Petitions For FEMA Assistance After Henri, Ida Damage

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor David Martin is currently seeking an official Federal Emergency Management Agency declaration after over 8 inches of rain fell on the city last week.

Stamford received approximately 8.1 inches of rain, the most significant amount of rainfall it has seen in a short amount of time since 1955, officials said in a news release. The National Weather Service reported that the majority of the rainfall occurred over a 3-hour period.

Though Martin issued an emergency declaration – allowing city emergency and operations personnel to respond immediately to residents who needed assistance – an official FEMA declaration would also allow community members who need to recover from the storm's damage to receive the necessary financial assistance, the news release said.

If the FEMA application is granted, assistance will be provided as per the agency's regulations and requirements, according to the news release.

To determine whether the damage from Tropical Storm Henri and the remnants of Hurricane Ida meets the criteria for federal disaster assistance programs, the city is working with state officials on an Initial Damage Assessment.

To complete the assessment, the CT Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is asking all municipalities and tribal nations to report residential and business damages through Emergency Event (veoci.com), the news release said.

Community members should document damages for each storm event (including taking photos), contact their insurance company to determine whether the damages will be covered, and keep receipts for repairs/costs.

Residents should report details on the damages and provide photos, insurance information and contact information to the city of Stamford by Wednesday, Sept. 15.

"Your information will be included in the initial damage assessment the City submits to DEMHS," the city said. "Once all of the damage data is received, DEMHS will assess whether the damages approach the federal criteria for disaster assistance programs."

In addition to its push for FEMA assistance, the city is offering a slew of services to residents impacted by the storm:

Social Services

Residents who require social service assistance or referrals as the result of losses suffered due to the storm or general assistance in filling out the Damage Assessment form should call 203-977-4051.

Citizen Services

Residents without computer or internet access who require general assistance related to the storm should call 203-977-4140 during business hours.

Residents without internet access in need of assistance after traditional business hours can call 203-977-5168.

Red Cross

The Red Cross provides minimal funds to residents if flooding is over the electrical outlets in main living areas or 18” off the main floor. For information on disaster assistance availability from the Red Cross, residents should call 877-287-3327.

Storm-Related Household Debris Pick-Up

Residents that need to dispose of storm-related household items damaged by flooding may do so by submitting their request with accompanying photos through Fix-It-Stamford at Emergency Event (veoci.com)

City household debris pickup began on Wednesday, and it will continue until Sept. 16. The pick-up service does not extend to fallen trees, branches, or foliage.

Residents are asked not to block city sidewalks with household items. Residents are also advised to keep images of damaged items for their own insurance purposes. The Sanitation Department will also take photos to document pickup.

The Transfer Station will be extending their hours Monday-Saturday from 5 a.m. - 6 p.m.