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It is critical that New York State be prepared to act quickly and efficiently to a need for food stamp benefits in response to an emergency or disaster. Whether the next emergency is caused by man or nature, recent experience reinforces the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for cooperation among federal, state and local agencies to address the needs of disaster victims. It is imperative that we have up-to-date emergency/disaster Food Stamp contact information for your local district so that we can provide you with immediate program support and information in the event of an emergency or declared disaster. Since contact numbers must be operational on a 24-hour basis, many districts choose to designate either their disaster operations center or the county sheriff's office.
We have provided the County Social Services Emergency Contact Numbers on record and ask that you review the list and update the information for your district. If at all possible, we suggest that home telephone numbers not be provided. To ensure that your county information is included in the State Food Stamp Disaster Plan we file with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State Emergency Management Office, please send the appropriate contact and phone number to OTDA by Tuesday, December 8, 2009. Information should be sent via e-mail to dave.staszak@otda.state.ny.us or by calling David Staszak at the number listed above. If your district contact information has not changed, please indicate there are no changes necessary. Your prompt response is appreciated.
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