The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that federal aid has been made available to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ordered federal aid to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Tropical Storm Lee beginning on September 3, 2011, and continuing.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in 19 counties (including our area). Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured or underinsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.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 will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
POST-FLOODING INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Link to all DEP fact sheets
Flooding from Tropical Storm Lee has devastated communities in much of the central and eastern part of Pennsylvania and left countless families and businesses facing unbelievable destruction. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the devastating flooding, the information in this document will help you to safely start recovering from this tragedy.
FOOD AND WATER SAFETY
When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away food that may have come in contact with floodwater – like:
o Home-canned foods.
o All foods in cardboard boxes, paper, foil, cellophane (plastic wrap) or cloth.
o Meat, poultry, eggs or fish.
o Spices, seasonings, extracts, flour, sugar, grain, coffee and other staples in canisters.
o Unopened jars with waxed cardboard seals, such as mayonnaise and salad dressing. Also, throw away preserves sealed with paraffin wax.
o Throw away any fruits and vegetables that have been in contact with floodwaters – including those that have not been harvested from gardens.
o Wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers.
You do NOT need to throw away the following items if they have been in contact with floodwater:
o Commercially canned foods that came into contact with floodwater and have been properly cleaned by: labeling cans with the name of food in permanent marker; removing labels; washing cans in water containing detergent; soaking cans for at least one minute in chlorine solution; rinsing in clean, cool water; placing on sides to dry (do not stack cans).
o Dishes and glassware if they are sanitized by boiling in clean water or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach per quart of water. If electricity at your home has been off for long periods of time, throw away perishable foods (like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, leftovers, etc.) that have been above 40 degrees for two hours or more.
Water
Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or use for cooking or bathing. If the water is unsafe, authorities may issue “boil water advisories” or tell you to use bottled water. Follow boil water advisories exactly to safely disinfect tap water before using it. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking, food preparation, dishwashing, making ice and coffee, mixing baby formula and brushing teeth. Thoroughly wash all metal pans, ceramic dishes and utensils that come in contact with floodwater with hot soapy water and sanitize by boiling these items in clean water, or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach per quart of water. If your private water well has been flooded, follow the disinfection instructions found in the flood-related information tab on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website or call the toll-free number, both of which can be found at the bottom of this fact sheet.
Restaurants Restaurant and food facilities inspected by the state, and hit by floodwaters, must be inspected by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Food Safety prior to reopening.
CROPS
Farmers whose crops have been submerged in floodwaters need to have crops tested. Farmers should contact their local county Agriculture extension office for testing. Farmers whose crops have been harvested for forage and were submerged should also be tested before use. Farmers can contact local county Agriculture extension offices or the Department of Agriculture.
DEP Fact Sheet: Permitting options for using flood damaged bridges
PREVENTING AND TREATING OTHER ILLNESSES OR INJURIES AFTER FLOODING
Coping After a Disaster
The days and weeks after an emergency are going to be rough. Some sleeplessness, anxiety, anger, hyperactivity, mild depression or lethargy are normal and may go away with time. If you or your loved ones feel any of these symptoms severely, seek counseling. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s Mental Health Crisis Counseling Hotline (1-866-803-6382) is also available to help citizens cope with mental health issues related to Tropical Storm Lee. The service is available to all Pennsylvanians and is staffed by trained crisis workers 24 hours a day during the immediate crisis period.
Avoid Floodwater and Mosquitoes
Avoid contact with floodwater, which contains contaminants (things like sewage, fuel and hazardous chemicals) and debris from flooded homes, businesses and industrial sites. The Pennsylvania Department of Health does not recommend vaccinating all flood survivors against tetanus. If you receive a puncture wound or have a wound that has come in contact with potentially contaminated floodwater, contact a health care provider promptly and ask if you need a tetanus booster or vaccine. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin. To control mosquito populations, drain all standing water left in open containers – such as flower pots or buckets – outside your home or business.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by many types of equipment and is poisonous to breathe. Never use a gas-powered pump or generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage or near a window, door or vent. If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseous.
Wash your Hands
Use soap and warm water to wash your hands. If water isn't available, use alcohol-based sanitizer.
Treat Wounds Clean out all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Contact a doctor to find out whether more treatment is needed (such as a tetanus shot). If a wound gets red, swells, or drains, seek immediate medical attention.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN REENTERING/CLEANING OUT HOMES AND BUILDINGS
Wear Protective Gear for Cleanup Work
The CDC recommends wearing hard hats, goggles, heavy work gloves and watertight boots with steel toes and insoles (not just steel shank). Wear earplugs or protective headphones to reduce risk from equipment noise.
Prevent Mold Growth
Be careful when entering a flood-damaged building. Loose, wet ceiling plaster is heavy and dangerous, so knock down hanging plaster before moving around. Clean up and dry out flooded buildings within 24 to 48 hours if possible. Open doors and windows and use fans to speed drying. To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. To remove mold growth, wear rubber gloves, open windows and doors, and clean with a bleach solution of one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Throw away porous items – like carpet, mattresses and upholstered furniture – that cannot be dried quickly. Everything that floodwater has touched should be disinfected. Scrub down walls and any other smooth, hard surfaces with the same bleach-water solution. Do not rush to move back into your home. Before a house is habitable, it must be dried and thoroughly cleaned, since floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals as they travel.
Avoid/Identify Structural Damage
Do not pump the basement until the water has gone down, as pumping a water-filled basement could result in the walls collapsing. Contact your local code enforcement officer to inspect homes and other buildings for structural damage. A maintenance company or Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry inspector should inspect:
o Flooded buildings with elevators.
o Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks that were under water.
o Any boiler that was under water.
o Service stations with dispensing equipment (gas pumps, etc.) that were under water.
Safely Dispose of Hazardous Materials
When cleaning up, dispose of chemicals or other hazardous materials safely – never in creeks, streams or rivers. Do not put hazardous materials in large community dumpsters or in your household trash. Follow local municipal authority guidance regarding hazardous material collection points.
Avoid Electrocution
Once inside a flood-ravaged building, 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 touch downed power lines or other wires, and do not touch any water into which a power line has fallen.
INSURANCE TIPS
Homeowners/Flood Insurance
Call your company or agent as soon as you are back into your home. Keep a diary of all of your conversations with your insurance company.
Insurance company disaster teams are in Pennsylvania now, but be patient and ask for a timeframe on when they can view the damage and help you. In the meantime, take pictures of the damage and secure the problems so further damage does not occur. Do not make any permanent repairs until your carrier says you can. Keep all receipts. Be aware that multiple claims in a short time frame could result in a premium increase, so consider taking care of minor repairs on your own. Avoid contractor scams and anyone who may knock on your door to help you with your clean-up or claims.
o Get more than one bid from contractors and ask for references.
o Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance and bonding.
o Record the contractor’s license plate and driver’s license number.
o Never pay upfront for the entire job. You can always go with the contractor and pay for supplies directly. Flood damage to your vehicle is covered under your auto insurance policy if you have "comprehensive" coverage. If the first offer made by the insurance company does not meet your expectations, be prepared to negotiate. If you believe you are being treated unfairly, call the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at 1-877-881-6388.
Crop Insurance
Those dealing with flood-related crop damage should note the following:
o If participating in a federally-sponsored crop insurance plan, you must notify an agent within 72 hours of discovery of crop damage.
o All residue and crop damage should be left intact until insurance agents can properly assess extent of damage.
o Individuals should contact Karen Powell at 717-705-9511 or their crop insurance agent with crop insurance questions.
o Contact the Department of Agriculture at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Agriculture desk at 717-651-2062.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Unemployment Claims
Unemployment claims are being processed normally. Visit www.uc.pa.gov to file an unemployment claim online. The Unemployment Compensation Service Center can be reached from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each work day and Sundays 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 888-313-7284. TTY service is available for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at 888-334-4046. Videophone service for individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) is available every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. at 717-704-8474.
Charity Scams
Beware of charity scams. There are many legitimate organizations that help during disasters, but others prey on people’s generosity. Be wary of high pressure tactics and door-to-door solicitations; ask how much of the donations will go to the intended purpose and how much will be spent on operating expenses and fundraising. Write checks directly to the charity; don’t give cash donations. To check whether a charity is registered in Pennsylvania, call the Department of State’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations at 1-800-732-0999, or visit www.dos.state.pa.us and click on “charities”.
Road Conditions
Do not drive around highway barriers and road closed signs even if flood waters have receded. The roadway and bridges may have been damaged during flooding. Until PennDOT inspectors take a look, you cannot assume the roadway is safe to use. Be aware that there will be many detours and delays in the weeks ahead as crews repair damaged roadways, bridges and other transportation infrastructure. Please be patient and allow extra travel time in flood-damaged areas and slow down to keep road crews and fellow motorists safe. Do not put yourself in harm’s way by visiting damaged sections of roadway for sightseeing or picture taking. Not only do you endanger yourself, you can delay workers from making much-needed repairs. Call 5-1-1 to check on road conditions before you head out. Keep an eye out for debris on roadways.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.state.pa.us 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258)
- Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency www.pema.state.pa.us
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection www.dep.state.pa.us 1-866-255-5158
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture www.agriculture.state.pa.us
- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry www.dli.state.pa.us
- Pennsylvania Insurance Department www.ins.state.pa.us
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation www.dot.state.pa.us www.511pa.com