Suffolk County Homeowners Urged to Prepare for Potential Federal Assistance Amid Flood Damage

County Executive Ed Romaine expressed optimism regarding federal financial assistance for homeowners affected by recent flooding in Suffolk County. He urged residents to complete the Storm Damage Assessment survey available on the Office of Emergency Management website. This survey is crucial for demonstrating that the county meets the minimum $37 million damage threshold required for a Federal Disaster Declaration. However, Rudy Sunderman, acting commissioner of Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, cautioned that there are no guarantees at this stage. In the event of a federal disaster declaration, Romaine noted that FEMA would provide support to cover some of the costs associated with the damage. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the experiences of local residents, such as East Setauket homeowner Murphy, who faced life-threatening conditions as floodwaters rapidly inundated his home. His daughter, Kellie Coppi, recounted the harrowing moment when they were trapped as water surged in, highlighting the overwhelming force of the flood. Despite the devastation, Coppi expressed gratitude for their survival, lamenting the loss of her parents' belongings. To assist in the recovery process, she initiated a GoFundMe campaign, a common response among those impacted by the flash flooding. Many residents across the island are similarly seeking support as they begin the arduous task of rebuilding their lives and homes after the disaster.