New Yorkers Encouraged to Call DFS' Disaster Hotline at (800) 339-1759 For Insurance-Related Questions
Department of Agriculture and Markets Encourages Affected Farms to Contact U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to Report Damage
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed additional State agency assets to Sullivan County to help communities recover after a tornado touched down in Roscoe and Callicoon Center. The National Weather Service office in Binghamton determined the tornado was an EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with maximum winds of 115 mph. The tornado traveled 10 miles with a maximum width of 300 yards.
“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I have directed my Administration to provide all necessary assistance to individuals in Sullivan County who have been impacted by this natural disaster," Governor Hochul said. “Since this tornado hit, my team has been in constant contact with state and local officials, ready to help individuals impacted by the storm. We will continue mobilizing every resource at our disposal to help this community rebuild and recover.”
New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris said, "DFS is available to help impacted homeowners and businesses with insurance questions and claims related to the tornados in Sullivan County. We will continue to assist in emergency response efforts in partnership with fellow state agencies and local partners to help these communities rebuild and recover."
Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “When disaster strikes, it is of the utmost importance that we come together as a state to help those affected. Years ago, my own community in Schoharie was hit by severe flooding, which is why I understand firsthand the importance of stepping up and supporting each other following a severe weather event. We at the Department are committed to helping provide Sullivan County residents and its agricultural community the assistance they need to get back on their feet, rebuild, and recover.”
State Senator Peter Oberacker said, “As I continue to speak with local officials in Sullivan County it is clear that additional support is needed to help those impacted by the recent tornado. The experts with the Department of Financial Services are a tremendous resource and I encourage home and business owners to take advantage of these opportunities for assistance. This is just one step in the process as we work to rebuild our communities, but it is a crucial start and I truly appreciate the DFS emergency response.”
Assemblymember Aileen Gunther said, “A disaster took place on Saturday, and while we can call ourselves blessed that no lives were lost, many of our friends and families will still require significant assistance. Our community has bravely come together during this challenging time, and I especially want to thank the Department of Financial Services for coming directly to the affected communities. I am proud of the quick response from the State and appreciate all of the help provided to our farms, businesses and families. Recovery from this storm will take time, and I want to assure everyone that I will be there ready to help until everyone is back on their feet.”
Agency Response Activities
Department of Financial Services
The Department of Financial Services staff will be deployed to affected communities to provide insurance help to residents affected by the tornado in Sullivan County. Due to heavy damage impacting homes and properties, Department of Financial Services personnel will be staffing resource centers to help residents and business owners file insurance claims as needed.
Thursday, April 27, Town of Rockland
- Roscoe Community Center, 1968 Old Route 17 Roscoe NY 12776
- 12 PM – 6 PM
Friday, April 28, Town of Callicoon
- Callicoon Town Hall, 19 Legion St, Jeffersonville, NY 12748
- 9 AM – 4 PM
Residents who are not able to visit the resource centers can get assistance with financial services questions, including insurance information regarding policy coverage for losses, by calling the Department of Financial Services' Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759 daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. and by accessing the Department's website at dfs.ny.gov.
Department of Agriculture & Markets
The Department of Agriculture and Markets is working with federal officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to ensure that affected farms can receive compensation.
Any farm with damage should contact the FSA Service Center by calling (607) 865-4005 to report the damage. In an effort to ensure the agricultural community is recognized post disaster events and recovery efforts, this damage submission survey tool allows producers or members of the agriculture community to record damage that has occurred at their location. The survey helps track and assess damage that may be requested by local, state or federal partners in assistance to emergency declarations.
Additional information can be found here.