NEWPORT, NY – Now that the immediate dangers of last week’s flooding have subsided, residents in affected areas are looking for answers to a lot of questions.

When are all the roads going to be opened? How do I get reimbursed for damages to my property? Who’s going to clean up all the debris?

Monday, local leaders held an informational meeting along with state and federal officials at the Newport firehouse to provide residents with those answers.

While municipalities are going through the process of getting emergency declarations for their communities, Kelly Wares, Deputy Director of Herkimer County Office of Emergency Services, says there is one thing residents can do to get immediate assistance.

Call 211.

“You would call that number, 211. They’re going to ask you a bunch of questions to find out what your situation is. They’ll send out the proper help that you need. Anything from assistance from the Red Cross, to help cleaning your basement. That’s what they’re there for.”

Officials at the meeting also warned residents to be on the lookout for scam artists.

They said if somebody calls and offers assistance of any kind, but they ask you for your personal information, you should hang up the phone.