Hurricane Irene Assistance Information

Hurricane Irene caused massive infrastructure damage to the Mountaintop, leaving many communities cut off from supplies and without electricity or running water.The Catskill region of New York State was severely hit by Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011. Massive damage and devastation has been experienced in Greene County, particularly on the Mountaintop, and the District has been working with local, state, and federal agencies to aid in disaster relief and restoration efforts.

The following are some information and resources for affected landowners, communities, and businesses throughout Greene County on how to stay informed, access assistance, and help others.

Apply for FEMA Disaster Recovery Funding

President Obama has declared NYS a federal disaster area, making emergency funding available to people in the counties of Albany, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Ulster. Applications can be made starting Thursday, September 1st at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

View more information from FEMA on New York Hurricane Irene

Stay Informed

There are many ways to stay up-to-date on the local effects of Hurricane Irene and the recovery efforts:

• WRIP 97.9 FM is continually airing local Mountaintop updates relating to the storm & recovery. They are also posting updates online with additional information
• Greene County Cornell Cooperative Extension (Agroforestry Resource Center) 
  • Has many fact sheets posted online about what individual homeowners can do to recover & repair after the flood
  • They also have water testing kits; please call ahead (518-622-9820) to ensure availability
  • In the coming weeks CCE will also be developing several workshops that will also assist property owners with recovery and cleanup efforts.  The first of these workshops will be held on Monday, September 12  - "Private Wells and On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems - What You Need to Know"
  • Visit www.agroforestrycenter.org to access this information & resources
• The Watershed Post has emerged as a leading resource for information, pictures, and stories about the hurricane. Visit www.watershedpost.com/tags/hurricane-irene
• Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers should visit their website (www.cenhud.com/hurricaneirene) to view the latest updates on outages, dry ice & bottled water distribution, and emergency shelters
• NYSEG customers can visit their website (www.nyseg.com/outages) for updates on power outages and dry ice & water distribution locations
• The Daily Mail continues to report on storm effects and relief efforts throughout the county
• Greene County Emergency Services can be reached at 25 Volunteer Drive, Cairo, or (518) 622-3643 for emergency assistance

Report Damage or Request Technical Assistance

Private property damage resulting from stream erosion or waterway damage should be reported to the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District. Call the Cairo office at (518) 622-3620 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to report damage and discuss assistance options.

County highway departments, contractors, and road crews are encouraged to contact the Soil & Water Conservation District to discuss infrastructure repairs relating to streams or drainage ways. Call the Cairo office at (518) 622-3620 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is providing general assistance and guidance to help local communities address damaged facilities, debris disposal and solid waste. Visit www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/8751.html for information.

DEC is also deploying spill response teams to assess flooding related spills throughout the impacted areas. DEC operates a 24-hour Emergency Spill Hotline (1-800-457-7362) for the public to notify the department of suspected spills.

Help Others

• The Catskills Irene Relief Resources forum has a listing of emergency relief efforts organized by county. The listings include donation and volunteer opportunities
• Donate to a Catskill Flooding Relief Center
• The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York needs immediate volunteers for storm relief

Returning Home After a Flood

As communities and families continue to rebuild and recover from Irene, there are several important things to consider when returning to residences and buildings inundated by the flood.

Check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

Do not enter if:

Going Inside Your Home:

• Natural Gas: If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence.
• Electricity: Do not touch electrical components if you are wet or standing in water.  Turn off electricity and unplug appliances until wires are dry.  Have appliances inspected before use.
• Water: Flood waters may be contaminated with fecal matter and bacteria. Be aware of hygiene - wash hands and keep cuts and sores clean and use antibiotic ointment. Do not let children play in flood water. Check media for boil water advisories.
• Prevent Mold Growth: Mold can cause disease and allergies. Remove standing water, all wet materials, and ventilate with fans and use dehumidifiers. If mold has already grown in the house, consult a professional.  Be careful of mixing household cleaners as some combinations can produce very toxic fumes.

More information from the District on flood protection and response