City Presentation on Inflow
Recently, Public Works Commissioner Tom Daley gave a presentation on inflow to residents
of Quinneboquin Road, and other areas affected by recent rain storms. To see the
presentation, click here. If you would like to reach Commissioner Daley with any
questions, please call 617-796-1010, or email him at tdaley@newtonma.gov.
Governor Announces that Federal Flood Assistance is on its Way
Recently Governor Patrick announced that federal assistance will become available to individuals and businesses who were hit hardest by the recent flooding. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses either in the storm of March 12-15 or March 28-30 can initiate the application for assistance process by calling the FEMA Teleregistration numbers: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired or registering online at www.fema.gov.
The toll-free Teleregistration numbers will operate:
Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 1:00am, and on
Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am to 10:00pm, until further notice.
Note: if you filled out a reimbursement form and submitted it to the City of Newton, you must still apply via the above phone numbers or web address to initiate the process of reimbursement. For information from the Small Business Administration
(SBA) regarding assistance for businesses, please click here
FEMA Announces Disaster Recovery Office for Middlesex County
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that it will be opening a "Disaster Recovery Office" to provide services to Middlesex County. The office will be located at the Billerica Town Library, 15 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA. The office will begin operations on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 with the following hours:
Mon-Thurs. 9AM-9PM
Fri & Sat. 9AM-5PM
Sun. 1PM-5PM
The office will have various representatives who can assist individuals who suffered significant damage during the most recent rain/flooding storms. Residents who suffered damages during the March 12-15, 2010 storm as well as the March 29, 2010 storm are first encouraged to contact FEMA at 800-621- 3362 or visit the FEMA Disaster Website at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Update For Rainstorm March 29th & 30th
Beginning Monday March 29th, the weather forecast is for heavy rainfall over the next few days. Total rainfall is expected to reach between 2-4 inches, with about 1 inch expected on Monday and an additional 2-3 inches on Tuesday. This rain comes on top of already saturated groundwater conditions from the recent storm potentially becoming problematic for our storm drains and sewer systems.
In order to minimize overflows of the sewer system, it is important that residents not pump out any water that has entered into their basements, into their slop sinks or toilets. When multiplied by hundreds of residents, this additional storm water adds to the sewer flows eventually exceeding capacity and reaching a condition known as “surcharging” which can result in the sewer system backing up into facilities on the lower levels of the home.
Additionally, reducing wash water (dishwashers, washing machines, showers) going down the drain as much as possible will help in minimizing the sewer flows to help in precluding the surcharging situation.
Thank you for your attention to this request, as a community these are a couple of things we can do that will help each other during these challenging times.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact City if Newton Customer Service at 617-796-1000, or the Newton Police Department at 617-796-2100.
Flood Recovery Tips from MEMA click here
Recovering From and Coping With Flood Damaged Property (a link to FEMA web page)
March 2010 Rain Storm FAQ’s
Updated 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Q: If my basement is still flooded, who should I call?
A: Please call the City of Newton at 617-796-1000 during normal business hours Monday through Friday, or 617-796-2100 at all other times.
Q: If there is raw sewage in my basement, who should I call?
A: Please call the City of Newton at 617-796-1000 during normal business hours Monday through Friday, or 617-796-2100 at all other times.
Q: If I have sewage backup, are there any health concerns I should be aware of?
A: Please click here to see advisory from the city’s Health and Human Services Department. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact City Hall at 617-796-1000. The Newton Police Department may be reached at 617-796-2100, and for emergencies please dial 911.
Q: What if my power and/or heat is out?
A: First contact your utility company. Then call the City of Newton at 617-796-1000 during normal business hours Monday through Friday, or 617-796-2100 at all other times if you need any help from us.
Q: I have a lot of trash that will not fit in the barrels, what should I do with it?
A: Please click here for our overflow trash information.
Q: If I am a resident or business owner who has suffered uninsured property losses will I be eligible for reimbursement, grants or low interest loans from the Federal government?
A: If the President of the United States recognizes the State of Emergencies declared by Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Setti Warren last week a certain amount of disaster funds will be made available in Massachusetts to assist home and business owners with storm clean-up, repair and replacement costs.
Q: How long will it take for the President to make this decision?
A: Staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reviewing all storm-related data and reports submitted to them by Massachusetts officials this week. FEMA will make a final recommendation to President Obama sometime over the next five days. The President’s final decision should be announced in a week or two.
Q: How will I know when and where to apply for Federal disaster relief funds if the funds become available?
A: An announcement will be made on local radio stations, local cable and network television stations, and posted in local print media and on the City of Newton website. The announcements will inform citizens how they may go about submitting applications, and a Disaster Recovery Center will be set up locally and staffed by FEMA personnel to handle questions and accept applications. There is normally a very liberal deadline for filing applications.
Q: Am I ineligible for Federal reimbursement, grants or low interest loans if I fail to notify City of Newton officials that I have suffered storm damages?
A: Absolutely not. FEMA officials will consider each case on an individual basis, regardless of with whom you have spoken or cost estimates for your uninsured losses.
Q: What should I be doing right now to record my uninsured losses?
A: You are encouraged to take video or still pictures of the damage, keep detailed notes, and maintain records of any relevant receipts from cleaning companies, etc.
