LIVOAD Action Alert: Request to Report Storm Damages from July 13-14

Dear Partners,

On behalf of our partners at the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), HWCLI is sharing the following important request for assistance:

New York State experienced severe weather on July 13–14, resulting in damage from high winds and flooding in several areas. In response, DHSES's Individual Assistance team is urgently collecting data to assess the extent of impact on individuals, businesses, and nonprofits.

We ask that you please share the following Self-Report Damage Survey link widely throughout your networks, particularly with anyone who may have been affected by the storms:

👉 New York State Self-Report Damage Survey

Please note:

• This survey is not a request for direct services or financial assistance.
• The purpose is solely to gather damage reports to help inform future recovery planning and potential support programs.

Your help in quickly disseminating this survey is critical in ensuring New York State has accurate, on-the-ground information to guide its recovery efforts. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.

Stay Cool This Summer with HWCLI

With the Summer in full swing, HWCLI's LIVOAD is sharing this update to help protect Long Islanders during extreme heat. Stay safe and take care of one another.

Health Risks:

Extreme heat is dangerous for everyone, especially for:

• Older adults
• Children
• Pregnant individuals
• Those with chronic illnesses
• Anyone without access to cooling or hydration

What You Can Do to Stay Safe:

• Stay hydrated and indoors in air-conditioned spaces
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
• Check on vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family
• Seek cooling centers, malls, libraries, or other cool public spaces if you don’t have AC

Cooling Assistance Programs

1. Cooling Programs for Homeowners and Renters

• Long Island Clean Energy Hub and Community Development of Long Island assist our clients with valid options to reduce their heating/cooling costs and improve the safety of their homes through efficiency measures. They also provide programs that will assist with home repairs .These programs are available to homeowners and renters and there is no obligation to payback. See if qualify for central air conditioning, and get the truth about FREE home repairs, free home energy assessments, and valid options!
• Visit the Wyandanch Resource Center to learn more on Thursday, August 14th, 2025 from 10AM-12PM. Address: 1609 Straight Path, Wyandanch, NY 11798
• For more information: Call 631-643-1960

2. Need Help with Cooling Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs financial assistance for cooling devices or related expenses, the following organizations may be able to help:

• Family Service League: Call 631-427-3700
• EOC of Suffolk: Call 631-289-2124
• PSEG or National Grid: Call the customer service number listed at the bottom of your bill and ask to speak with a consumer advocate.

3.Essential Plan Cooling Program (via NY State of Health & PSEGLI)

• Benefit: Free AC unit with installation
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Be enrolled in NY State of Health’s Essential Plan
• Have persistent asthma — meaning frequent symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain) or need for daily asthma medication
• Have not received a cooling unit via HEAP in the last 5 years
• Install the unit at the permanent residential address on file with NYSOH
• Agree to the program terms and conditions
• Deadline: August 31, 2025, or while supplies last
• How to Apply:
• 🔗 nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call NYSOH directly

Note: Pregnancy will be included in the eligibility criteria starting in 2026 under Governor Hochul’s planned expansion.

4. PSEG Long Island: Household Assistance Program

Lower your electric bills by $45 or more per month and get flexible payment options through PSEG-LI’s Household Assistance Program.

Qualifying Programs: (must show proof within 12 months):

• HEAP
• Medicaid
• SNAP
• SSwI
• Public Assistance
• Child Health Plus
• Veterans Disability Pension
• Federal Housing or Lifeline

📄 Apply Online: psegliny.com/financialassistance

📧 Email: consumeradvocacyli@pseg.com

📞 Customer Assistance Line: 1-800-490-0025

🤝 Need Help Applying? Legal Services of Long Island can assist you with HEAP applications:

• Nassau County: 516-292-8100
• Suffolk County: 631-232-2400



QUICK TIP:

These programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

✅ Check eligibility

✅ Gather documents

✅ Apply immediately

Other Summer Weather Resources

👶🏽 Pregnancy & Heat Safety Tips

• Rest in cool environments
• Stay hydrated — WIC & SNAP can help you buy cooling snacks
• Elevate legs to reduce swelling
• Safe infant cooling: use lightweight cotton clothes, circulate air (no direct fan or ice on baby)

📱 Get Alerts & Stay Updated

• 🔔 NY-ALERT: nyalert.gov or text “Heat” to 692-692
• 📲 Red Cross Emergency App: Get heat alerts and shelter info
• 🌐 Ready.gov: ready.gov/heat

📄 Shareable Flyers & Educational Materials

• CDC Beat the Heat Flyer – English (PDF)
• CDC “Gánele al Calor” – Spanish (PDF)

Stay safe, stay cool.

— Long Island VOAD

Heat-Related Illnesses: Know the Warning Signs

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are available here.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 911.

Nassau County OEM:  

• https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1620/Emergency-Management
• Click here to sign up for Nassau County Emergency Alerts

 Suffolk County OEM: 

• https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/FRES/
• Click here to sign up for Suffolk County Emergency Alerts

NWS New York Tropical Page: 

• https://www.weather.gov/okx/tropical

NWS New York Website: 

• https://www.weather.gov/okx/

NWS New York Summer DSS Website: 

• https://www.weather.gov/okx/emnew_summer

River Gauges and Forecasts: 

• https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=okx

NWS New York Facebook: 

• http://www.facebook.com/NWSNewYorkNY

NWS New York Twitter: 

• http://www.twitter.com/NWSNewYorkNY

Online Severe Weather Reporting: 

• https://www.weather.gov/okx/SubmitStormReport

To report an outage to PSEG: 

Text OUT to PSEGLI at 773454 or visit:  https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/contactus

To Report a Downed Power Line to PSEG call: 1-800-490-0075

American Red Cross: How to Get Help: 

https://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/ or call: 1-877-733-2767 

American Red Cross Preparedness Guide: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/

516-483-1110

connect@hwcli.com

www.hwcli.com

Established in 1947, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) is a regional, nonprofit umbrella organization for health and human service providers dedicated to improving the lives of Long Island’s most vulnerable residents by responding to their needs through the promotion and development of public policies and direct services. To learn more, visit www.hwcli.org or call 516-483-1110.