Suffolk Notebook: FEMA Deadline Approaches, Public Hearings Set

Suffolk County officials on Friday reminded locals of the Dec. 19 deadline to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power program, which gives aid to residents of homes damaged in Superstorm Sandy so that they can make repairs to their properties.

Locals are asked to call 2-1-1 before the deadline to set up an assessment of damages.

The STEP program was enacted after the devastating storm knocked out electricity and heat to thousands in the county, and damaged hundreds of homes.

Legislature Highlights

The Suffolk County Legislature is set to take up the following items in next week's general meeting, some of which are direct responses to the state of the region following Sandy. All of these will have a public hearing:

• A Charter Law to Strengthen Monitoring of Sewer Plants Operating in Suffolk County.
• A Local Law to establish the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.
• A Local Law to Ensure Adequate Gasoline Distribution to the Public After Disasters.
• A Charter Law to Clarify Legislature’s Role in Collective Bargaining.

X-Mas Tree Cautions

The county's Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services this week held a demonstration, burning a Christmas tree to show how dangerous these annual holiday decorations can be for locals.

The county said these fires cause about 13 deaths, 27 injuries, and $16.7 million in property damage every year, and urge residents to keep their trees watered and healthy during the season.