24 Aug Pennsylvania Flood Victims

Governor opens hotline for flooding victims
Governor Tom Wolf said a public inquiry hotline is now available to citizens who need assistance cleaning up after devastating flooding in Pennsylvania, including the southeastern portion of the commonwealth. “We’re working with volunteer organizations that have offered to help residents in these communities,” said Wolf. “I know that some of these survivors have been hit multiple times in the last few weeks, and the willingness of these volunteers to do this hard work is greatly appreciated.” Anyone who would like to request help should call 272-200-3211 for assistance. The hotline will be staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including weekends, through Friday, Aug. 31. Volunteers will provide physical labor, such as mucking out basements, removing damaged flooring and drywall, and removing debris. Callers will need to provide basic information, including but not limited to their addresses, the type of work they need help with, and the status of utility services at their sites. Callers will also need to verbally give permission for call takers to share their information with the volunteer organizations. PEMA Director Rick Flinn said that while every effort will be made to help those who need it, the responding organizations will prioritize service delivery according to their own criteria and ability to assist. It may take several days for volunteer teams to respond. Another hotline, the Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990) is a 24/7 service available nationwide that is dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual and confidential crisis-support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.
Source: Daily Local; 8/20/2018