Cornell has stepped up efforts to support faculty and staff who have been affected by the flooding this past week, President David Skorton and Vice President for Human Resources and Safety Services Mary Opperman announced in an email Sept. 12.

The university will provide up to two additional paid days off to those who must take time away from work to address the issues they face in the wake of these floods, in addition to the paid time off already available to staff through their own accrued time. For those colleges and units that cannot fund the additional time off, the university will reimburse them for the cost.

Funding through the university's Emergency Cornellians Aiding and Responding to Employees (CARE) Fund, which supports employees when unexpected situations create undue financial burden, is also available for those who have suffered losses. For information on accessing the CARE fund or to donate to the CARE fund, see http://www.hr.cornell.edu/life/support/care_fund.html.

Managers and supervisors are encouraged to be supportive and flexible to allow those who have been affected deal with the consequences of the floods. Staff, faculty, graduate students and retirees are encouraged to access the support and referral services of the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, which can be reached at 607-255-2673.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has launched an $8 million appliance grant program for those who sustained property damage as a result of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Residents must affirm that they have been impacted by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee and that these products are not covered by insurance or FEMA assistance. For residents affected by Hurricane Irene, grants on purchases of approved appliances and equipment will be retroactive to Aug. 29, 2011, and for residents affected by Tropical Storm Lee, grants will be retroactive to Sept. 9, 2011.

Grants will be for ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances and equipment, with rebates at the following levels: Refrigerators: $350; clothes washers: $250; dehumidifiers: $100; furnace: $2,000; boiler: $2,500; hot water heater tanks (gas): $400. In product categories for which there are no ENERGY STAR criteria, the higher efficiency units will be eligible for a rebate: Clothes dryers with moisture sensor: $250; water heater tanks (electric): $400.

With the exception of dehumidifiers, purchases of appliances and equipment must be for replacement purposes only and purchases covered by insurance or FEMA are not eligible. Audits to verify insurance claims and/or FEMA assistance may be conducted. All grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for completed applications, which will be available beginning Sept. 19 at NYSApplianceRebates.com or by calling 1-877-NY-SMART (877-697-6278). The grant program will continue until funding runs out.