Forum to focus on helping Sandy victims with insurance, repair

Homeowners coping with damage from superstorm Sandy can get assistance with flood insurance, home repair and other issues in Oceanside on Thursday.

A forum will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. in the auditorium of the Oceanside Middle School, 186 Alice Ave.

The following topics will be discussed in 10-minute segments: mental health and stress reduction, legal rights during storm recovery, filing appeals on flood insurance awards, buying flood insurance, challenging real estate taxes, contractor fraud, relationships with design professionals and government agencies, home elevation and accessibility, budget management, financing options, loan programs, disaster planning and fast-track solar permits.

The event is presented by Nassau County Legis. Denise Ford (R-Long Beach), Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence) and Laura Curran (D-Baldwin), as well as Councilman Anthony D’Esposito and Supervisor Anthony Santino of the Town of Hempstead. Solicitations are prohibited.

For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, contact Michael Raab, Nassau County storm recovery liaison, at mraab@nassaucountyny.gov or 516-572-1395.

By Maura McDermott

maura.mcdermott@newsday.commauramcdermott

Maura McDermott covers education. Since joining Newsday in 2012, she also has worked on the investigations team and covered real estate and the business of health care.