Tag: disaster recovery
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Time is Running Out – Only Two Weeks Left to Register for Disaster Aid
Read more: Time is Running Out – Only Two Weeks Left to Register for Disaster AidHARRISBURG, Pa. — Survivors of the storms and flooding that ravaged central and eastern Pennsylvania have only two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance. The deadline to register is November 14, 2011. Individuals who live, work, or own a business in the 29 Pennsylvania counties designated under the disaster declarations for Hurricane Irene and Tropical Strom Lee are eligible. The counties are Adams, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Wyoming, and York.…
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Your Thoughts: Building Permit Fees for Flood Victims
Read more: Your Thoughts: Building Permit Fees for Flood VictimsThe Town Council meeting last night was not the only place where the issue of building permit fees for flood victims was discussed. Our article commenters and Facebook groups have contributed many interesting and thought-provoking viewpoints on the subject. (Original article, Building Permit Fees Cause Lively Town Council Debate). Add your comments here if you haven’t had a chance to weigh in on the discussion. Here are some of the opinions of our readers: This is a very sticky situation. Could they possibly reduce the fees for flood victims? — Diane Building permits cover the cost of a building inspector…
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AGAPE in Dire Need of Volunteers
Read more: AGAPE in Dire Need of VolunteersAGAPE is in dire need of volunteers. The need for help (especially during the day) is now critical with the new applications for financial assistance coming in as well as an increased demand for furniture, appliances etc. as flood survivors begin to get back on their feet. In the words of an AGAPE employee, “It was a zoo yesterday and as you know not one person there is a paid employee.” The crisis is over but the emergency is not. AGAPE is requesting volunteers to fill positions at the dates and times listed below. Please understand that any part of the…
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Disasters Can Severely Impact the Elderly
Read more: Disasters Can Severely Impact the ElderlyHARRISBURG, Pa. — The losses following Pennsylvania’s storms and flooding last month may be magnified for the elderly. Seniors previously living on their own may be dependent on others for food, shelter and the necessities of daily living. Those used to assisted living may face upheaval in their normal routines or a change in their usual caregivers. Additionally, the stress of the disaster itself can cause significant challenges. Symptoms of stress unique to the elderly include: Reliving events in their lives when they were traumatized or suffered severe losses. Fear of losing their independence or self-sufficiency. Fear of a decline…
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Look Out for Signs of Post-Disaster Stress
Read more: Look Out for Signs of Post-Disaster StressHARRISBURG, Pa. — The initial trauma from Pennsylvania’s two late-summer disasters – Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee – has passed, but the psychological effects can linger. Stress caused by loss or a traumatic experience can sneak up on people and influence behavior and emotions. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable to stress after a disaster and may require special considerations. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have developed a list of things to look for and tips for helping yourself and others get through this difficult time. Some common signs of stress are: Trouble…
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Rep. Millard Talks with Fernville Residents
Read more: Rep. Millard Talks with Fernville ResidentsHere is the live blog of the meeting between Rep. Millard and Fernville Residents Here is the live stream archive of the meeting between Rep. Millard and Fernville Residents Pennsylvania State Representative David Millard held a meeting last night with his constituents from the Fernville area. The meeting, which was scheduled to last an hour, ended up going on for nearly two hours with many questions from residents who were angry, unsure about their futures, and concerned about mixed messages from all levels of government. Some felt the meeting itself was poorly communicated and had only heard about it several…
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Rep. Millard Works To Streamline Flood Relief
Read more: Rep. Millard Works To Streamline Flood ReliefState Representative David Millard held a public meeting at the request of the residents of Fernville on the evening of October 20th, 2011. With the discussion revolving around the uncertainty of when and how Fernville residents would receive funds for the repair or acquisition of their damaged properties, Rep. Millard assured those in attendance that their well-being and care are his primary concern. “This event was of such a magnitude, that we need to take people out of harm’s way,” Rep. Millard stated. “I want to facilitate that.” Most of the residents in attendance reported receiving varying information from local,…
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An Interview with Bloomsburg University President David Soltz
Read more: An Interview with Bloomsburg University President David SoltzMany of us have the impression that given a week off from school due to a natural disaster, the typical college student would go home to see family or take a road trip to visit friends. The scenario we envision would probably not include staying in a flood-ravaged town without running water and scooping sewage-laced river mud out of a home twelve blocks away from the student’s apartment. However, in the aftermath of the 2011 flood, Bloomsburg University students gave tremendously to the relief effort. In addition, the entire university community — faculty, staff, students, and administrators — came together…
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Deadline Nears to Apply for Disaster Assistance
Read more: Deadline Nears to Apply for Disaster AssistanceThe deadline is nearing for residents and business owners who had damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee to apply for disaster assistance. The registration deadline is November 14, 2011. The deadline to submit a disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses is also November 14, 2011. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) urge anyone who has not applied for assistance to call FEMA if they suffered damage from the storms and live, work or own a business in one of the following counties…