Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – President Obama has signed an emergency declaration for New York State as Hurricane Sandy approaches, authorizing federal disaster assistance.
Governor Andrew Cuomo asked for the declaration as the state prepares for the potentially devastating storm.
The Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are now authorized to coordinate disaster relief efforts throughout the state.
The White House says FEMA can “identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.”
The governor’s office said assistance can include “debris management, logistics management and electric power generation.”
