CITY OF BUFFALO PROVIDES UPDATE ON FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS AND EMERGENCY PICKUP

City has received 286 flood-related 311 cases; emergency collection of flood-damaged items will continue for outstanding locations

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The City of Buffalo today provided an update on ongoing recovery efforts following Thursday evening’s flash flood, including the emergency collection of flood-damaged household items, documentation of damage to homes and businesses, and potential avenues for additional assistance.

As of Monday, the City has logged 286 flood-related 311 cases associated with Thursday’s storm. City crews began emergency collection of flood-damaged household items at 7 a.m. Monday, using both the City’s previously published collection maps and individual 311 reports to identify locations for pickup. 

The 286 cases do not represent the total number of residents or properties affected by the flooding, as crews are also collecting eligible flood-damaged items from properties located within the designated collection areas even if a resident did not submit an individual 311 report.

Due to the expansive impacted area, some collection locations remain outstanding, and crews will continue working through them on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Residents who have already placed eligible flood-damaged items at the curb but have not had a crew on their street should leave those items out. 

The City continues to encourage all residents and business owners who experienced flooding to complete New York State’s Damage Self-Report Survey, even if they have already contacted 311 or received an emergency collection.

These reports will help state and local officials document the extent of the damage and determine whether the area may qualify for a federal Small Business Administration disaster declaration. If the necessary thresholds are met and a declaration is issued, low-interest disaster loans could become available to eligible residents and businesses.

The survey itself is not an application for financial assistance, and additional assistance is not guaranteed. Residents and businesses should photograph damage and retain receipts, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, and other documentation related to their losses.