ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York residents in disaster-declared localities, whose wells or septic systems were damaged as a result of the late August flooding, may be eligible for financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete necessary repairs.

Homeowners in declared areas may be eligible for grant funding to pump septic tanks, perform required repairs or replace the system as needed. Damaged private wells that are the sole source of water for the home also may be repaired or decontaminated.

"We don't want anyone living in a house with contaminated water or exposed to raw sewage," said Philip E. Parr, Federal Coordinating Officer with FEMA. "Applicants for state and federal disaster assistance should advise the FEMA inspector that they have a private well and septic system."

Home-repair grants are designed to restore the home to a livable and sanitary condition. To qualify for this disaster assistance, applicants must own their home and the home must be their primary residence. Grants are not intended to restore a home to pre-disaster condition and cannot be used for cosmetic repairs or repairs covered by insurance.

There are two easy ways to begin the application process. Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621- 3362. Individuals with speech or hearing impairments can call TTY at 1-800-462-7585. Multilingual assistance is available by phone. The toll-free line is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week until further notice. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.govor with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to "apply online for federal assistance."

The deadline to apply is October 29, 2011.