W000318
Monday, November 12, 2001 12:12 PM
Traumatized and Not Evacuated
To the Dept. of Justice:
On Sept. 11, 2001, I was walking across the North
Tower bridge from the World Financial Center towards
the World Trade Center when the first plane crashed
into WTC #1. In shock, I managed to walk back to my
home just 3 blocks north, although my walking cane was
lost. I am traumatized by the sight of people jumping
from the buildings, having body parts land on me, the
loss of many friends and business associates and the
fear of not being able to leave my home. Because I
have a respiratory disorder and neuoromuscular
condition, my physician told me to stay in my home,
which I did until 7 pm on Wed. 9/12/01 when the smoke
seeping through my windows was unbearable. I did not
know the area was evacuated - the government and my
landlord did not tell me to leave and I have
nightmares about this. The conditions were unbearable
and FEMA has not provided any relief because I was not
physically able to return to my area until after there
was transportation to the area. As an individual with
a disability, access to my home was impossible and
discriminatory. FEMA did not provide a voucher for
housing and I was told to stay in a shelter which is
not possible, so I had to stay on a couch which caused
me great pain and further illness. Living with troops
on my street and the air quality has caused me to
leave the New York area which has caused nightmares
and post traumatic stress disorder and flashbacks. My
son is a New York City firefighter and will not return
to our home.
Thank you,
Individual Comment
New York, NY