POST-FLOODING INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

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.

Download the Post-Flooding Information Document

Download the Disinfection of Home Wells and Springs Document

The Wyoming County Emergency Management Agency would like all residents to be advised
of the following: (New items are BOLDED)

• A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has been established to assist individuals and businesses in flood-recovery efforts.  The Center location is:

• Tunkhannock Area School District Administration Building

      41 Philadelphia Avenue
      Tunkhannock, PA   18657   

• The Center began operations at 1:00 PM today, (9-14-11)
• The Center will operate from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily starting Thursday, September 15, 2011.
• 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. For those residents that file on-line or by phone, it is not necessary to apply at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
• When you apply for assistance, please have the following available:
• Social Security Number (including spouse)
• Private Insurance Information, if available
• Address and zip code of the damaged property
• Directions to the damaged home or property
• Daytime telephone number and current mailing address
• Photos of damaged property, if available

• Representatives from FEMA, PEMA, Department of Public Works, PennDOT, Department of Environmental Protection, PA Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Counselors, and the Wyoming County Conservation District will be on hand to assist residents.

• TIDE Loads of Hope will be at the new WalMart in Tunkhannock (SR 29) beginning Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 8:00 AM.  Flood victims may drop off up to two (2) loads of laundry per day for laundering.

About Tide Loads of Hope
Over 34,000 loads of laundry cleaned for families affected by disasters, and counting….
In times of disaster people turn to the most basic of human needs—and one of those is clean clothes. The Tide Loads of Hope program provides relief by means of a mobile laundromat. One truck and a fleet of vans house over 32 energy-efficient washers and dryers that are capable of cleaning over 300 loads of laundry every day. We wash, dry and fold the clothes for these families for free. Because, as we’ve learned, sometimes even the littlest things can make a big, big difference.

• President Obama issued a Federal Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on September 12, 2011.  This declaration will allow the Wyoming County Emergency Management Agency to initiate the process for establishment of a Disaster Recovery Center.  Further information regarding the Center will be provided as soon it becomes available.
• 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.
• Residents should be aware that items removed from flood-damaged homes might be mistaken for garbage.  Items that you intend to keep should be placed as far from the curb as possible.  Items placed curb-side may be accidently picked up as trash.

• Please be cautious regarding fraudulent offers for construction, repairs or assistance. Be sure to ascertain appropriate credentials from representatives.

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) advise you to always ask for identification if someone approaches you about your personal or business disaster losses. If the person claims to be with a government agency they will have an official ID. It's very important not to give out personal or business information unless you are presented with an ID. If you have any questions, ask if you can call the person's office for verification.

• The American Red Cross has established Points of Distribution at which residents can obtain drinking water, bleach for disinfecting, and clean-up kits.  These items can be picked up at the following locations:
• Old Ken Mar Building (Meshoppen)
• Falls Fire Department Building (Exeter Township)
• Mehoopany Fire Station (Mehoopany)
• Goodwill Fire Company (Laceyville)
• Wyoming County Emergency Management Building (Tunkhannock)
• The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following statement: The Pennsylvania Department of Health does not recommend vaccinating all flood survivors against tetanus.  However, if you receive a puncture would or have a wound that has come in contact with potentially contaminated floodwater, contact a health care provider promptly as ask them if you need a tetanus booster or vaccine.
• Well Water Test Kits are available for pick-up at the following locations: (All kits should be returned to Wyoming County Conservation District office, regardless of pick-up site).

• Wyoming County Conservation District Office, 21 Hollowcrest Road, Tunkhannock, PA   (8 AM-4 PM )
• Wyoming County EMA Building, 3880 SR 6, Tunkhannock, PA (9 AM-6 PM)

• Well Disinfectant Procedures are attached, and will be posted on the Wyoming County EMA website www.wycopa.org – follow the link for flooding information.
• The American Red Cross is in need of volunteers. Please call (570) 836-2626 if you are able to donate time, supplies, or monetary donations.
• Reminder: The Wyoming County EMA Information Hotline (570) 836-3399 provides timely updates and general information.  Residents can also leave damage reports on this line.

• Mental Health Counselors will be available through the Wyoming County EMA.  Please call (570) 836-2828 or (570) 836-3399 to obtain scheduling information.
• Residents are advised to use the utmost caution in appropriate disposal of hazardous materials, such as refrigerators. propane tanks, paints, and other household chemicals. Please contact your local municipality for specific instructions on safe removal of these items.
• National Guard Troops are on scene to assist in securing affected areas.
• The county-wide travel ban has been lifted; however, many roads remain closed, and bridges have not yet been inspected and are therefore closed to vehicular traffic. Please adhere to all posted signs regarding closures and detours. Wyoming County remains in a State of Emergency.

• Residents are warned to stay out of flood waters due to possible contamination.
• Stay tuned to local media for updates on recovery efforts.
• In case of emergency, call 911.

SHELTERS

• Tunkhannock Area High School – pets are permitted.

PennDOT warns motorists not to drive across roads covered with water because the water may be deeper than it looks, and to never drive around barricades or signs on closed roads – Turn Around, Don’t Drown. 

The Wyoming County EMA Information Hotline can be reached at (570) 836-3399.

Additional questions should be directed to Katie Kamp, ECTF Planning Specialist, at (570) 836-2828.