Staten Island, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2012) — The post-hurricane devastation on Staten Island cannot be ignored — and neither can the ticking of the clock. 

The Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR) wants our storm-affected  friends and neighbors to know there are just 30 days left to register for FEMA Disaster Aid.

New York State and federal officials are reminding those affected by Hurricane Sandy of the deadline.

However, if you have not yet been informed: Applications must be received by Monday, Dec. 31, to be considered for disaster assistance from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Anyone who sustained a loss on Staten Island or in any of the 13 New York counties designated for federal disaster assistance should register before the deadline even if they have insurance.

Federal disaster assistance may help eligible applicants with temporary housing, disaster-related uninsured personal property losses, medical, dental and funeral expenses, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs.

Survivors must register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance even if they have contacted the state, their local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross or other charitable organizations.

Anyone who has not registered with FEMA for disaster aid, has questions about their application or needs more information about recovery programs should call FEMA’s toll-free helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, can call 800-462-7585 directly; people who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), can call 800-621-3362.

Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through a smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are also available to help with residential and business losses not covered by insurance. Homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes may obtain information on SBA disaster loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for people who have a speech disability or hearing loss) or online at www.SBA.gov. They may also apply for disaster loans at http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4085, http://twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

About The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR)

The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR) is the largest not-for-profit trade association in Staten Island, N.Y.

SIBOR exists to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business successfully and ethically; and to promote the preservation of the public’s right to own, transfer and use real property.

Comprised of over 1,600 members, SIBOR serves real estate agents, brokers and affiliated professionals throughout the borough and surrounding areas.

SIBOR is the provider of the Staten Island Multiple Listing Service Inc. (SIMLS), which works as a clearinghouse through which more than 250 local real estate firms exchange information on properties they have listed for sale. Together, its members participate in over 3,000 real estate transactions every year.

All SIBOR members belong to the New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

SIBOR may be reached at 718-928-3220 and viewed online at http://siborrealtors.com. SIBOR may also be visited on Facebook at “Staten Island Living,” on Twitter via @SIBOR, and on YouTube at the Staten Island Board of Realtors and RelevantPR channels.

Media Contact: Barton Horowitz

Relevant Public Relations, LLC

Headquarters: 718‑682‑1509

Mobile: 917‑715‑8761

Email: Bhorowitz@RelevantPR.com