PEMA, FEMA Announce Disaster Assistance Reaches $3.2 Million
Release Date: May 13, 2005
Release Number: 1587-031
» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced disaster assistance approved for residents of Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties affected by the heavy rain and floods that occurred April 2-3, 2005, has reached $3.2 million.
Housing Assistance for homeowners and renters totals $2.8 million. Housing Assistance may include lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. Other Needs Assistance reached $413,000. Other Needs Assistance may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs; and other eligible expenses.
The number of individuals who registered for assistance was 2,416. A total of 2,257 applications were approved. Another 1,307 sought information from mitigation specialists at Home Improvement stores on how to lessen damage to their home, business or property in event of a future flood.
Residents of the disaster-designated counties have one month left to apply for assistance. The deadline is June 13, 2005.
A breakdown of applications, Housing and Other Needs Assistance by county follows:
| County | Applications | Housing Assistance | Other Needs Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradford | 85 | $68,895 | $6,293 |
| Bucks | 674 | $1,163,520 | $146,798 |
| Columbia | 33 | $14,970 | $0 |
| Luzerne | 179 | $84,111 | $2,257 |
| Monroe | 484 | $405,677 | $58,262 |
| Northampton | 365 | $413,551 | $124,150 |
| Pike | 214 | $406,464 | $69,219 |
| Susquehanna | 19 | $12,736 | $0 |
| Wayne | 149 | $196,798 | $2,931 |
| Wyoming | 55 | $29,873 | $2,717 |
| Totals as of 05/13/05 | 2,257 | $2,796,595 | $412,628 |
Individuals can register for assistance by calling the toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech- impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Applications can also be made online. Applicants should be prepared to give their contact information and Social Security number, as well as provide insurance and financial information when they log on or call to register.
The last day mitigation specialists will be on site at Home Improvement stores is today, Friday, May 13. They are at the following stores from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
| Store | Address/County | County |
|---|---|---|
| Lowes | 501 Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre | Luzerne |
| Home Depot | 125 Rueben Bell Drive, Westfall | Pike |
| Seals Lumber | 116 Walnut Street, Athens | Bradford |
The public is encouraged to drop by, pick up informative materials, and speak with mitigation experts about how to protect homes and businesses against flooding.
Pennsylvania Disaster News Releases are available on the web at www.fema.gov/news/eventnews.fema?id=4365, or www.pema.state.pa.us/paflooding.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 01-May-2006 14:38:04