New York’s Flash Floods: How to Get Information and Assistance

Slow-moving storms have caused historic flash flooding in multiple counties across New York’s Mid-Hudson, Finger Lakes, central and North Country regions this week. Gov. Kathy Hochul — who described the floods as a “1,000-year event” in a recent press conference — declared states of emergency in counties including Orange, Ontario, Rockland, Clinton, Essex and Oswego.

AARP New York has compiled a list of government, nonprofit and other resources that are offering information or support to those impacted. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.

If you need emergency assistance, call 911 immediately.

NY-Alert: A state-operated service providing critical real-time information on what’s happening in your area, including instructions and recommendations from emergency personnel. All areas of New York state are included in the system, and users can decide which area they want to receive alerts about. Get alerts by phone, email, text or fax. Sign up at alert.ny.gov.

NOAA Weather Radio: Stations managed by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide information on current and incoming weather in your area.

Local news outlets: Monitor local TV and radio stations for up-to-date information and instructions from emergency personnel in your area.

Ready.gov: Floods: Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for tips on what to do during and after a flood.

Going home after a flood: Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention around staying safe and healthy, and on returning home after a flood.

New York flood safety tips: A guide for before, during and after a flood, by New York’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Flooded homes cleanup guide: Tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on DIY cleanup and protecting your health.

Utility companies: If your power is out, contact your utility company.

511NY: This online transportation tool from the New York Department of Transportation features information on traffic, road closures, rail service disruptions and more. Alternatively, call 511 for information in your region.

The American Red Cross: The nonprofit organization offers free shelters in communities impacted by weather disasters. Visit the Red Cross website to find open shelters near you, or call 877-733-2767.

DFS Disaster Hotline: Call the consumer hotline at 800-339-1759 or visit the New York Department of Financial Services’ website for assistance with a range of financial matters after a disaster or flood. Get information on flood insurance, how to file a claim, how to avoid storm recovery scams, and more. The hotline is open daily from 8:30am to 4:30 p.m. (Undocumented New Yorkers can call the Office for New Americans hotline at 800-566-7636 between 9am and 8pm, Monday through Friday. Assistance is available in more than over 200 languages.)

• 12 Tips for Cleaning Up After a Hurricane or Flood
• 8 Ways to Recover Faster From a Disaster
• The New Go Bag: What You Need in Your Emergency Escape Kit