West NY News

Many areas of Olean sustained significant damage from heavy rainfall on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The Cattaraugus County Office of Emergency Services is compiling damage information from affected businesses and homeowners. At this time, the information collected will be used to document and track damage only. It is not for reimbursement.

"If your property has sustained damage related to the flooding, here is what to do: Take pictures of everything - before you begin to clean up or make repairs, during cleanup and repair, and after," advised the Office of Emergency Services. They also recommended documenting all items that were damaged as well as those that had to be disposed of.

"Save all written quotes, estimates, and receipts for repairs," they added. Property owners are urged to contact their insurance companies, while renters should reach out to their landlords. "Contacting the Office of Emergency Services is not a substitute for contacting those people."

The office emphasized that cleanup and repairs should proceed without waiting for potential funding. "At this time, we have no information that funding will be available," they stated.

For tracking purposes, individuals can share their damage information with the Office of Emergency Services by using an online form at www.cattco.org/reportpropertydamage or by calling the Emergency Operation Center Public Assistance Line at 716-938-9119 if online access is unavailable.

"We are collecting damage reports for tracking purposes only," reiterated the office. "There is no indication that reimbursement from FEMA or any other entity is or will be available." However, in case financial assistance becomes available in the future, those who have reported damage will be notified.