City officials have assembled a team to work closely with home and business owners affected by Hurricane Sandy. Boston Home Center staff will be working with homeowners and senior homeowners to help facilitate any necessary renovations due to the storm. Also, a team of City Hall staff will "work closely with business owners in the coming days to offer guidance and assess the exact needs of each business affected in an effort to expedite the process of reopening."

DND’s Office of Business Development is standing by to provide technical and permitting assistance. Businesses affected by the hurricane can reach the Office of Business Development at 617-635-0355.

“The Department of Neighborhood Development’s Boston Home Center and Office of Business Development are your go-to resources for repairing any damages to your home or business," Mayor Menino said in a statement issued Tuesday morning. “It’s so important that residents and business owners take care of water or wind damage before the winter comes, and the City is equipped to help in getting that work done effectively.”

Boston Home Center staff is available to answer any questions regarding the home repair process; they can be reached at 617.635.HOME or via www.bostonhomecenter.com. The Home Center staff strongly encourages home owners to check on a contractor’s work history before committing to any home repair contract. Homeowners are also encouraged to call their insurance company regarding storm-related damages.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, the mayor's office has recorded 610 total reports of tree emergencies and 262 total reports of down wires, via the Mayor’s 24-hour hotline, 617-635-4500.