Flooding in Pennsylvania
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Pennsylvania Flooding Recovery Guide
For the full guide, including information on Small Business assistance, click here
For an immediate life safety emergency – call 911
FEMA: 800-621-3362. 800-462-7585 for the speech/hearing-impaired apply online at www.fema.gov or www.disasterassistance.gov
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center: 800-659-2955. www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance
National Flood Insurance Program Hotline: 888-379-9531, www.floodsmart.gov
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency:
Individual Assistance - Cole Probst - (717) 651-2163
Public Assistance - Chris Evans - (717) 651-2171
Hazard Mitigation - Tom Hughes - (717) 651-2726
For Housing and other Emergency needs: Pennsylvania Red Cross (1-800-733-2767)
Pennsylvania Department of Health: 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) (http://www.health.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/department_of_health_home/17457)
USDA Farm Service Agency: 717-237-2114 www.fsa.usda.gov
A Note from Senator Bob Casey
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have caused the worst flooding in Pennsylvania since Hurricane Agnes in 1972.
I have visited several counties along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries and witnessed the devastation first hand. I have spoken to federal officials, including the White House, to make the urgent case for federal assistance to help families, business owners and farmers who have been hit hard by the floods. In addition, I have coordinated with local and state officials on the phone and on the ground in Northeastern, Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania since the storms struck. I will remain committed to this effort until these communities are made whole.
Communities are coming together to help each other during this difficult time, but given the scale of the destruction, it is clear that more help is needed. Time is of the essence and we must move quickly to ensure that the affected communities receive immediate relief and long-term assistance to begin rebuilding.
This Pennsylvania Flood Recovery Guide provides information on the available programs and key information on applying for assistance. This information should benefit home owners, renters, businesses, and farmers.
If you have any questions please contact any of my offices or visit my website at www.casey.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions About FEMA Assistance
Do I have to register with FEMA to get help? Yes, with very few exceptions, if you want federal assistance you will have to register with FEMA, either by telephone or online. The registration number you will receive will be needed whenever you call with questions, so make sure to write or record this number
What is the difference between FEMA and the SBA? FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made.
SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).
What happens after I register? You will receive a call from the FEMA housing inspector. On-site inspections are an important early step helping to speed aid to homeowners and renters suffering flood damage. All inspectors carry photo identification and will have the FEMA registration number assigned to the person whose home is being inspected.
This is a free inspection and only an official FEMA inspector will have the number that was provided during registration. Beware of individuals attempting to charge for inspections or remodeling contractors claiming to be FEMA approved. FEMA does not endorse construction firms.
When a FEMA inspector calls for an appointment, registrants should provide a clear, accurate description of the damaged property and current contact information. You do not have to wait for the inspector to arrive before beginning repairs. Photos, contractor estimates, and receipts can be provided to FEMA inspectors to document the extent of the damage.
The inspection generally takes 30 - 40 minutes. The inspector enters damage-related information into a handheld computer and sends that data electronically to FEMA. The inspector does not determine whether a registrant is eligible for assistance, nor the amount of assistance an individual may receive.
You may also receive a call from a representative of the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans to eligible applicants for long term recovery. An SBA loan application is included in the FEMA registration materials and is a key part of the registration process. You will never be required to take out an SBA loan if you do not wish to do so. However, it is important that you apply because doing so may open other opportunities for federal assistance.
No appointment is necessary to meet with an SBA Customer Service Representative at a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center. There is no cost to apply for an SBA disaster loan, and you are not obligated to accept a loan that SBA approves.
FEMA may also direct you to other federal organizations, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, on a case by case basis.
Where can I find updated information from FEMA? Up-to-date information on floods and flood assistance in Pennsylvania is accessible at http://www.fema.gov/news/event. The site identifies the locations of all Disaster Recovery Centers, and contains recent news on disaster response and recovery.
How to Apply for Assistance:
- Those in the counties designated for assistance to affected residents and business owners can begin the disaster application process by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
- The toll-free telephone numbers are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday until further notice. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide basic information about themselves (name, permanent address, phone number), insurance coverage and any other information to help substantiate losses.
- Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by Commonwealth recovery officials. Approved mitigation projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA.
Disaster Recovery Centers to Open in Several Locations
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the opening of six Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) to help residents and business owners with their recovery from the recent storms and flooding.
Centers are operating in the following locations:
Bucks County
Neshaminy Mall
Route 1 & Bristol Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
Bradford County
Towanda Fire Hall
101 Elm Street
Towanda, PA 18848
Chester County
Chester County Government Services Center
601 Westtown Road
West Chester, PA 19380
Columbia County
Columbia County Ag Center
702 Sawmill Road
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Cumberland County
West Enola Fire Company
118 Chester Street
Enola, PA 17025
Dauphin County
Old Boscov’s Building
Harrisburg East Mall
3501 Paxton Street
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Delaware County
Darby Township Municipal Building
21 Bartram Avenue
Glenolden, PA 19036
Lancaster County
M&T Bank Building
2270 Erin Court
Lancaster, PA 17601
Lebanon County
Lebanon Valley Mall
22nd & Cumberland Streets
Lebanon, PA 17046
Luzerne County
Luzerne County Community College – Public Safety Training Center
1333 South Prospect Street
Nanticoke, PA 18634
Lycoming County
740 Fairfield Road
Montoursville, PA 17754
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Public Training Campus
1175 Conshohocken Road
Conshohocken, PA 19428
Northumberland County
Career Link Center
2 East Arch Street
Shamokin, PA 17872
Philadelphia County
Packard Building
111 S. 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Belfield Recreation Center
2109 West Chew Ave
Philadelphia , PA 19138
Schuylkill County
Pine Grove Hose, Hook & Ladder Fire Company #1
1 Orchard Street
Pine Grove, PA 17963
Snyder County
Career Link Center
713 Bridge Street
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Sullivan County
Loyalsock State Forest District Office
6735 Rt. 220
LaPorte, PA 18626
Susquehanna County
Hallstead Fire Department
133 Lackawanna Avenue
Hallstead, PA 18822
Wyoming County
Tunkhannock Area Administration Building Gymnasium
41 Philadelphia Avenue
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Disaster officials recommend that you register before visiting a DRC so if you have any questions about the application process they can be answered fact to face. You may visit any DRC regardless of where you live or work. Register for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov; the screens will prompt you through the registration process.
You can also apply by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. Operators will assist you seven days a week between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program
Cleanup
The Department of Environmental Protection is advising residents whose homes or businesses have been affected by flood waters to take a number of precautions to assure a safe cleanup.
“Thousands of people and homes have been impacted by the tragic flooding in the commonwealth over the past several days. It is gut-wrenching to see the many pictures of the devastation, destruction and human suffering,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “People need to be very careful when returning to their homes and businesses and must be aware of a number of precautions they need to take to ensure their safety and good health.”
Homeowners who suffered flood damage should note these cleanup guidelines:
- Be careful when entering a flood-damaged building. Loose, wet ceiling plaster is heavy and dangerous, so knock down hanging plaster before moving around. Watch for holes in the floor and loose boards with exposed nails.
- Once inside, turn off the gas and electricity. Wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and rubber gloves and turn off the main switch using a piece of rubber, plastic or dry wood while standing on a dry board to avoid electrocution.
- Do not pump the basement until the water has gone down, as pumping a water-filled basement could result in the walls collapsing.
- Never use a gas-powered pump or generator in an enclosed area; carbon monoxide fumes could overcome you.
- Test plumbing and basement drains by pouring a bucket of water in them. If the water does not run out, remove the clean-out plug from the trap and rake out the mud with a wire.
- Do not rush to move back into your home. Before a house is habitable, it must be dried and thoroughly cleaned, since flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals as they travel.
- Open doors and windows to ventilate and dry the inside, and wait until all floors, ceilings, walls and furnishings are dry and free of mold and mildew before trying to repair or salvage them.
- Everything that flood water has touched should be disinfected. Scrub down walls and any other smooth, hard surfaces with a solution made of clean water and two-percent chlorine bleach. Two to three capfuls of chlorine bleach to a bucket of water are recommended. Wear gloves when disinfecting surfaces.
- Do not attempt to repair floors until they are fully dry. Dry wood floors as soon as possible by opening all doors and windows, which should prevent them from shrinking and deforming. Once dry, buckled floors may be drawn back into place with nails, and planing and sanding may remove humps.
- Remove drawers and clean all mud and dirt from wooden furniture. Be sure to dry furniture slowly and indoors to prevent the sun from warping it.
- If possible, simply air-dry family treasures such as books, photographs or paintings. If wet books, documents, photographs or textiles cannot be air-dried within 48 hours, freeze them if you have a freezer that is large enough. If not, keep them as cool as possible until air-drying is possible.
- Washers, dryers and furnaces can usually be cleaned and tested by qualified electricians. Replacing expensive appliances after a flood is usually not necessary.
- Mattresses, carpets and rugs should be discarded. In most cases, mattresses and rugs become so saturated with contaminated material that cleaning attempts are futile.
To deal with leaking home fuel tanks in flooded basements, remove the fuel oil from the surface of the water and place it in a container for disposal. The water that is under the product can be directed to the nearest waterway. After pumping your basement, try to remove and place in a container any remaining product and stop the leak in the tank.
If your private groundwater well or spring has been flooded, follow specific disinfection instructions to temporarily address the problem. These can be found in the Flood-related Information tab at www.dep.state.pa.us. You will need a bucket, garden hose, funnel and chlorinating compound, which is sold in liquid and granular form at grocery and home-improvement stores.
Even after the disinfection process is completed, water should be tested for bacteria. DEP’s regional offices will be equipped by Monday with test kits to distribute at no cost to residents. For contact information for the regional office in your area, consult the Regional Resources tab of DEP’s website. Until tested and found potable, continue to use bottled water or bring your water to a rolling boil and let it boil for at least one minute. Bottled or boiled water should be used for drinking, cooking, food preparation, dishwashing, making ice and coffee, mixing baby formula and brushing teeth.
For assistance beyond what is available on DEP’s website, call 1-866-255-5158 any time or consult the Penn State University Cooperative Extension’s Master Well Owner Network at http://extension.psu.edu/water/mwon.
For more information, visit the Flood-related Information page at www.dep.state.pa.us.
About Flood Emergencies
Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, destroying thousands of homes and costing billions of dollars each year. No matter where you live, you should be prepared for a flood emergency — especially if you live near water, in a low-lying area or down-stream from a dam.
Floods can occur in different ways. Some develop slowly during an extended period of rain, or in a warming trend following a heavy snow. Others, like flash floods, can happen very quickly, without any visible signs of rain. Even small streams and dry creek beds can overflow to produce flooding.
Flood Preparedness – General
Take the following steps to prepare for a flood emergency:
- Get an emergency supply kit that includes enough provisions for you and your family to live on for a minimum of three days.
- Make an emergency plan for you and your family.
- Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
- Visit www.floodsmart.gov to find out if your home is at risk for a flood.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
- Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.
- If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
- Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage. You may also want to learn about the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning:
| Flood Watch | Flood Warning |
| Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information | Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately. |
Flood Facts for Driving
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.
What To Do in a Flash Flood
Flash floods occur within six hours of the beginning of heavy rainfall. Below are some guidelines for keeping safe during a flash flood:
- Go to high ground immediately.
- Get out of areas subject to flooding, such as low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
- Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot. Even water only six inches deep, when moving at a high rate of speed, can knock you off your feet.
- Never drive through flooded areas or standing water. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway. Also, the roadbed may not be intact under the water.
- If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants.
- Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Understand the difference between a Flash Flood Watch and a Flash Flood Warning:
| Flash Flood Watch | Flash Flood Warning |
| Flash flooding is possible along small streams and rivers. Be prepared to move to higher ground. | Flash flooding is imminent and occurring. Seek higher ground immediately. |
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