Albany, NY - August 13, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the deployment of the Department of Financial Services' Mobile Command Center to Long Island to provide insurance assistance to homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by flooding caused by Wednesday's heavy rainfall.

"We will be providing direct assistance to the Long Islanders whose homes and businesses were damaged by this week’s storms,” Governor Cuomo said. "Trained staff will be available to answer questions and provide advice to New Yorkers with insurance issues."

Department of Financial Services representatives will be available in the Mobile Command Center on Thursday, August 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Islip, at the Islip Town Hall Parking Lot located at 401 Main Street.

In addition, those who are not able to visit the Mobile Command Center can call the Department's Disaster Hotline at 1-800-339-1759 for help with insurance-related issues. The Department of Financial Services is extending the operating hours for the hotline this week, making it available today, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, said, "There are a number of important steps New Yorkers can take to help speed up their insurance claims after a natural disaster like this. People should document their losses as best they can and try to file insurance claims as quickly as possible. People shouldn't hesitate to contact our Department by visiting the Mobile Command Center or calling our toll-free hotline whenever they need help."

The Mobile Command Center is expected to be deployed to additional locations affected by flooding in the days ahead, and specific locations and dates will be announced soon.