PEMA, FEMA Announce Close To $1.8 Million Approved
Release Date: April 25, 2005
Release Number: 1587-009
» More Information on Pennsylvania Severe Storms and Flooding
HARRISBURG, Pa -- The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that disaster assistance approved for residents of Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Wayne and Wyoming counties affected by the heavy rain and floods that occurred from April 2-23, 2005 is approaching $1.8 million.
Housing Assistance for homeowners and renters totals $1.6 million . Housing Assistance may include lodging expenses, repair assistance and temporary rental assistance. Other Needs Assistance is $195,000. Other Needs Assistance may include medical, dental, and funeral expenses; furniture, clothing and certain appliances; vehicle costs; and other eligible expenses.
A breakdown of applications, Housing and Other Needs Assistance by county follows:
| County | Applications | Housing Assistance | Other Needs Assistance |
| Bradford | 44 | $41,239 | $4,242 |
| Bucks | 489 | $736,653 | $63,036 |
| Columbia | 16 | $3,388 | $0 |
| Luzerne | 129 | $55,839 | $1,392 |
| Monroe | 288 | $193,646 | $12,451 |
| Northampton | 249 | $270,154 | $58,824 |
| Pike | 126 | $233,437 | $51,635 |
| Wayne | 79 | $29,176 | $439 |
| Wyoming | 28 | $16,885 | $2,575 |
| Totals as of 04/25/05 | 1,448 | $1,580,417 | $194,594 |
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 7 p.m. daily. Applications can also be made at www.fema.gov/about/process . 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 for assistance.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are operating in Bradford, Bucks, Monroe and Northampton Counties. The DRC hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays. State and federal experts in the centers provide applicants with information and assist with the U.S. Small Business Administration forms which must be completed to help determine eligibility for various disaster programs. Counseling is available at the DRCs for those suffering from disaster-related pressure, worry or strain.
In cooperation with Home Depot mitigation specialists are in selected Home Depot stores to explain mitigation techniques that can lessen damage to homes, businesses and property from future flooding. They opened Saturday, April 23, and will be available through Friday, April 29 at the following Home Depot Stores with the exception of Tuesday when they will not be on site: The teams will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Teams on the following sites through April 29:
| Store | Address/County | County |
| Oxford Valley Home Depot | 400 Commerce Blvd., Fairless Hills | Bucks |
| Easton Home Depot | 721 S. 25 th St., Easton | Northampton |
Teams on the following sites beginning Saturday, April 30 through
Friday May, 6 with the exception of Tuesday.
| Store | Address/County | County |
| Tulleytown Home Depot | 145 Levitton Pkwy., Tullytown | Bucks |
| Stroudsburg Home Depot | 150 Pocono Commons, Stroudsburg | Monroe |
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, 25-Apr-2005 16:38:04