These resources aim to assist volunteers, coordinators, individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Sandy. They include important safety information for volunteers, coordinators and anyone involved in the cleanup effort. Many are fliers that can be printed by coordinators to hand out to volunteers and individuals in impacted areas.
Before undertaking any projects, please review our safety information:
- Safety notice for unskilled/non-trade volunteers regarding demolition and clean-up
- Guidelines from the New York City Committee for Occupational Safety and Health Online
Topics
- Clean-up
- Disaster Assistance
- Document Recovery
- Education
- FEMA
- Financial Assistance
- Funding
- Housing
- Job Opportunities
- Legal Assistance
- Medical
- Mental Health
- Mutual Aid
- Power
- Resources for Immigrants
- Tenants and Homeowner Rights
- Transportation
Clean-up
OS Mold Remediation and Clean-Up Guidance
Updated: September 2017
Flood waters carry chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants into our homes. They also allow mold to grow, threatening not just our health but the health of our homes.
After a flooding event, misconceptions about mold and how to clean it up spread like wildfire. You may hear that you should use bleach solutions, vinegar, peroxide, antifungals, and other biocides to clean up mold in your flood damaged home. But the fact is, you don’t need chemicals or pricey fungicides, and you cannot spray your walls and floors with anything and consider the job done. Furthermore, you want to be drying out your home – not dousing it with more water and chemicals.
We’ve compiled a list of resources from qualified mold remediation professionals to rid your flood-damaged home of mold. We successfully re-mediated mold in dozens of homes using these techniques and are confident in sharing them. We hope that they help to demystify the process.
Field Guide for Cleanup of Flooded Homes
An 18-page cleanup guide including steps for safely and properly doing mold remediation work from the National Center for Healthy Housing and NeighborWorks America.A Guide to Community-based, low cost Mold Remediation
This document is a compilation of information gleaned from public health professors, mold remediation specialists, and experienced disaster responders. We are confident in our method and believe that it strikes a balance between cost and efficacy.Una guía comunitaria para el saneamiento de moho (Español)
Este documento es una compilación de información recopilada de profesores de salud pública, especialistas en el saneamiento de moho y personal de auxilio en asuntos de desastre.Safety Notice for Unskilled/non-trade Volunteers Regarding Demolition and Clean-up
Information from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health.Cleaning Safety Guidelines
Safety Tips for Cleaning Homes Affected by Hurricane Sandy from New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.Removing Mold and Mildew from your Flood-Damaged Home
Online information from FEMA.Video Series: Mold Clean-up Guidance Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Shot on location in post-Katrina New Orleans, this instructional video was produced to train residents, volunteers and small contractors how to manage clean-up efforts. The advice provided includes specific actions and the serious health effects associated with mold exposure.
Videos: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3Protecting Workers and Volunteers from Mold Presented by Jack Caravanos
Presented by Jack Caravanos (40 minute presentation then online Q/A).Video Series: Mold Clean-up Guidance Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Shot on location in post-Katrina New Orleans, this instructional video was produced to train residents, volunteers and small contractors how to manage clean-up efforts. The advice provided includes specific actions and the serious health effects associated with mold exposure.
A Guide to Community-based, low cost Mold Remediation
This document is a compilation of information gleaned from public health professors, mold remediation specialists, and experienced disaster responders. We are confident in our method and believe that it strikes a balance between cost and efficacy.
Una guía comunitaria para el saneamiento de moho (Español)
Este documento es una compilación de información recopilada de profesores de salud pública, especialistas en el saneamiento de moho y personal de auxilio en asuntos de desastre.
Field Guide for Cleanup of Flooded Homes
An 18-page cleanup guide from National Center for Healthy Housing and NeighborWorks America.
Safety Notice for Unskilled/non-trade Volunteers Regarding Demolition and Clean-up
Information from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety & Health.
Cleaning Safety Guidelines
Safety Tips for Cleaning Homes Affected by Hurricane Sandy from New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Removing Mold and Mildew from your Flood-Damaged Home
Online information from FEMA.
Protecting Workers and Volunteers from Mold Presented by Jack Caravanos
Presented by Jack Caravanos (40 minute presentation then online Q/A).
Disaster Assistance
Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund
Funding for NYC homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Disaster Resources
Resource handbook created by Red Cross.
Case Management Available for Sandy Survivors
The State of New York and FEMA will be offering a Disaster Case Management program for survivors.
Disaster Recovery Center Locator
The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator allows individuals to search for DRCs nearest to their location.
Disaster Assistance Available from FEMA
Information about what kinds of disaster assistance is available through FEMA.
DisasterAssistance.gov
Government website provides access to disaster help and resources.
Document Recovery
Document Recovery
One of the dire consequences of any disaster for many people is the loss of important documents. Often, such documents are needed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency services in order to process assistance applications for those who suffered losses or damage to their homes and belongings.
Education
Bike Ready
Framing cyclists’ response in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Green Map System’s Bike Ready has become a springboard for local preparedness. Along with the 4-minute film, in 2016, there’s an adaptable Bike Ready Organizing Guide you can download as a PDF or .Doc so you can be #BikeReady too.
Filmed in NYC neighborhoods impacted by 2012’s devastating storm, Bike Ready turns powerful footage into a resource for organizing bicyclists for emergency response. Scenes include getting around when the subway and gas stations are closed, mutual aid bike repair, cyclists delivering hundreds of pounds of relief supplies and using pedal power to generate the electricity needed to recharge phones. With its solutionary approach to addressing the ‘new normal’, this video and guide are designed to help communities get organized. Watch it with fellow cyclists and start planning! Produced by Green Map System and directed by Peter Shapiro with support from Occupy Sandy Relief, the volunteers of Time’s Up, and LES Ready. More about this readiness and resiliency-building project will be added to this page, GreenMap.org/bikeready.
Now Available! Chinese, Spanish and Japanese versions, thanks to LES Ready for supporting the translation! Watch full screen.
Hurricane Sandy Educational Rights
Helpline for questions about school-related issues : 800-388-2014
FEMA
Case Management Available for Sandy Survivors
The State of New York and FEMA will be offering a Disaster Case Management program for survivors.
Disaster Assistance Available from FEMA
Information about what kinds of disaster assistance is available through FEMA.
FEMA’s Hurricane Sandy Information Center
FEMA Jobs
Financial Assistance
Disaster Homeownership Repair and Rebuilding Fund
Funding for NYC homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy
Temporary Rental Assistance for Sandy Survivors
Receive additional temporary rental assistance from FEMA.
Food Stamps
Food Stamps payments are retroactive to the date of application, so the sooner you apply, the more money you get.
- Apply Online
- Food Stamp Application
- List of Food Stamp Centers (where you can mail your application)
Disaster Assistance Available from FEMA
Information about what kinds of disaster assistance is available through FEMA.
Using Retirement Funds
The IRS may allow you to use your retirement assets to alleviate financial hardships caused by Hurricane Sandy.
Tzu Chi Foundation debit cards
New York City victims of Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for $600 Visa debit cards in a $10 million relief drive initiated by an international Buddhist organization. Call 877-889-8244.
Housing, Health, Small Business, Recovery and Emergency Assistance
The mayor’s office’s document of available assistance.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
If you have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. It is important that you apply for both of these as soon as possible. There is a very short deadline for DUA of February 4th, 2013, the only way to apply for DUA right now is by phone.
- More info on Disaster Unemployment Assistance
(There appears to be an online application, but it is still IMPERATIVE that you call the office directly) - Disaster Unemployment Assistance Flyer (English) / Asistencia de Desempleo por Desastre (Español)
- More info on Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Funding
Community Grant Rebuilding Program
The Brooklyn Recovery Fund’s grant program was established to support physical improvements to homes and buildings located in Brooklyn’s coastal communities. A limited number of grants are available, up to $200,000 per impacted community (Red Hook, the Coney Island peninsula, Sheepshead Bay, Canarsie, and Gerritsen Beach). Deadline to apply is Monday, February 4, 2013.
Recovery Funds
Listing of funding for Sandy relief efforts.
Community Grants
Through our Community Grants, Citizens Committee awards micro-grants of $500 to $3,000 to resident-led groups to work on community and school improvement projects throughout the city. We prioritize groups based in low income neighborhoods and Title I public schools. Our next application deadline is January 31, 2013.
The Neighborhood Recovery Fund (NRF)
An emergency fund that was created to provide financial assistance to homeowners affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Resources for Small Business Owners
Collection of resources for small business owners from FEMA.
NYC Grants for Collaborative Community Projects
The UnityNYC Grant Awards will award grants up to $3,000 to faith-based or neighborhood-based groups that collaborate on community projects. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2013.
Occupy Sandy Relief Fund
ModestNeeds.org Hurricane Relief Grants
ModestNeeds.org Hurricane Relief grant is limited to $1,500.00 per household.
Housing
Know Your Rights: Housing Issues after Sandy
Know Your Rights! Fight back against illegal convictions!
Available Housing Search
Housing search for individuals and families who have been displaced by a disaster provided by FEMA.
Suburban Chicago and Baltimore Area Housing Available for Sandy Survivors
Long and short-term housing program for Hurricane Sandy survivors in South Suburban Chicago and Baltimore Country.
Temporary Rental Assistance for Sandy Survivors
Receive additional temporary rental assistance from FEMA.
Locate a Shelter
The Spark Hurricane Sandy Relief Map allows you to locate a shelter (or post one). It also tracks many other resources.
Job Opportunities
Legal Assistance
Know Your Rights: Housing Issues after Sandy
Know Your Rights! Fight back against illegal convictions!
Legal Resources List
A comprehensive listing of legal resources in New York City.
Mediation Services from New York Peace Institute
Sandy related dispute? Conflict with a landlord, insurance adjuster, family member, or neighbor? Mediation is a FREE, SAFE, and PRIVATE way to resolve Sandy-related conflicts. Mediators guide participants through a series of problem-solving steps so they can find their own solutions. Mediators do not make decisions, but rather help the parties to share their viewpoints and generate and evaluate options. Contact Alan Gross, Ph.D — agross@nypeace.org / (917) 359-0444
Disaster Relief Legal Assistance Manual
Legal Clinics
Check the calendar for a listing of upcoming Free Legal Clinics
Legal Information for Tenants and Homeowners
Information about your rights as a tenant or homeowner.
Legal Assistance
List of legal assistance provided by lawhelp.org/ny.
Medical
Pharmacy Status Map
Status of pharmacies within the disaster affected area, as well as open American Red Cross Shelters.
Pharmacy Status Map
Status of pharmacies within the disaster affected area, as well as open American Red Cross Shelters.
TherapySafetyNet
Licensed psychologists and social workers offering very low-fee therapy to those who suffered losses from Sandy: 617-850-5408
Request Medical Help or Supplies
To request medical help or supplies, email SandyMedics@interoccupy.net or call 646-470-7256
Mental Health
Emotional Support Hotline
The Samaritans of NYC provide a free, 24-hour, confidential hotline for anyone depressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or suicidal. (212) 673-3000
TherapySafetyNet
Licensed psychologists and social workers offering very low-fee therapy to those who suffered losses from Sandy: 617-850-5408
Mutual Aid
Bike Ready
Framing cyclists’ response in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Green Map System’s Bike Ready has become a springboard for local preparedness. Along with the 4-minute film, in 2016, there’s an adaptable Bike Ready Organizing Guide you can download as a PDF or .Doc so you can be #BikeReady too.
Filmed in NYC neighborhoods impacted by 2012’s devastating storm, Bike Ready turns powerful footage into a resource for organizing bicyclists for emergency response. Scenes include getting around when the subway and gas stations are closed, mutual aid bike repair, cyclists delivering hundreds of pounds of relief supplies and using pedal power to generate the electricity needed to recharge phones. With its solutionary approach to addressing the ‘new normal’, this video and guide are designed to help communities get organized. Watch it with fellow cyclists and start planning! Produced by Green Map System and directed by Peter Shapiro with support from Occupy Sandy Relief, the volunteers of Time’s Up, and LES Ready. More about this readiness and resiliency-building project will be added to this page, GreenMap.org/bikeready.
Now Available! Chinese, Spanish and Japanese versions, thanks to LES Ready for supporting the translation! Watch full screen.
Mediation Services from New York Peace Institute
Sandy related dispute? Conflict with a landlord, insurance adjuster, family member, or neighbor? Mediation is a FREE, SAFE, and PRIVATE way to resolve Sandy-related conflicts. Mediators guide participants through a series of problem-solving steps so they can find their own solutions. Mediators do not make decisions, but rather help the parties to share their viewpoints and generate and evaluate options. Contact Alan Gross, Ph.D — agross@nypeace.org / (917) 359-0444
OccupySMS
Connects people seeking and offering aid, based on their specific location and needs, in areas without power or Internet
- To request aid, text SANDY to 69866
- To offer aid, text MUTUALAID to 69866
Power
Free Energy Efficiency Program
New York State has given EmPower NY extra funding to expand its program to eligible homeowners who experienced flooding during Sandy.
Empower New York provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions for income-eligible New Yorkers
Energy efficiency measures such as
- Insulation, draft reduction, and upgraded appliances and lighting—at no cost to you
- Peace of mind that comes with keeping more money in your own pocket, to spend on what matters most to you
- A home that’s warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
- Health and safety checks of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and more
Trained auditors are already to assessing homes to determine applicable measures. Participants could either complete the application and mail or email it to Syracuse (address below) OR simply call 1-800-263-0960 to request a Storm Relief application.
Electricity
Time Warner Cable is supplying free generator power at two stations in the Rockaways: 204th St / Rockaway Point Blvd and Beach 22nd / Mott Ave. They respond quickly to tweets at @TWCable_NYC.
Resources for Immigrants
Resources for Immigrants
- Immigrant Eligibility for Disaster Assistance
Fact sheet prepared by NILC, National Council of La Raza, and the American Red Cross (PDF) - Disaster Assistance: Food, Shelter, Cash Payments, Loans, and Other Help for Victims of Major Disasters
(Excerpted from NILC’s Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs, 2002 ed.)
- Immigrant Eligibility for Disaster Assistance
Tenants and Homeowner Rights
Mediation Services from New York Peace Institute
Sandy related dispute? Conflict with a landlord, insurance adjuster, family member, or neighbor? Mediation is a FREE, SAFE, and PRIVATE way to resolve Sandy-related conflicts. Mediators guide participants through a series of problem-solving steps so they can find their own solutions. Mediators do not make decisions, but rather help the parties to share their viewpoints and generate and evaluate options. Contact Alan Gross, Ph.D — agross@nypeace.org / (917) 359-0444
Forebearance
Fannie and Freddie stated that impacted homeowners in disaster areas may qualify for a year of forbearance on their mortgage, or may be eligible to have their foreclosure waived for up to a year or have penalties or late fees waived:
Foreclosures
FHA ordered a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures in disaster areas:
Legal Information for Tenants and Homeowners
Information about your rights as a tenant or homeowner.
Transportation
Bike Ready
Framing cyclists’ response in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Green Map System’s Bike Ready has become a springboard for local preparedness. Along with the 4-minute film, in 2016, there’s an adaptable Bike Ready Organizing Guide you can download as a PDF or .Doc so you can be #BikeReady too.
Filmed in NYC neighborhoods impacted by 2012’s devastating storm, Bike Ready turns powerful footage into a resource for organizing bicyclists for emergency response. Scenes include getting around when the subway and gas stations are closed, mutual aid bike repair, cyclists delivering hundreds of pounds of relief supplies and using pedal power to generate the electricity needed to recharge phones. With its solutionary approach to addressing the ‘new normal’, this video and guide are designed to help communities get organized. Watch it with fellow cyclists and start planning! Produced by Green Map System and directed by Peter Shapiro with support from Occupy Sandy Relief, the volunteers of Time’s Up, and LES Ready. More about this readiness and resiliency-building project will be added to this page, GreenMap.org/bikeready.
Now Available! Chinese, Spanish and Japanese versions, thanks to LES Ready for supporting the translation! Watch full screen.