Pa. opens public inquiry hotline for flooding victims
Gov. Tom Wolf said a public inquiry hotline is now available to residents who need assistance cleaning up after devastating flooding in central and eastern Pennsylvania, including Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.
“We’re working with volunteer organizations that have offered to help residents in these communities,” Wolf said. “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 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including weekends through Aug. 31.
Volunteers will provide physical labor, such as mucking out basements, removing damaged flooring and drywall, and removing debris.
A variety of organizations make up the PA VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters). They provide assistance that complements the efforts of municipal, county and state governments. Their members active in this recovery mission include the American Red Cross, Southern Baptist Convention, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Lions Club International, Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, A.G.A.P.E of Columbia County, Mennonite Disaster Services, United Church of Christ, LDS Charities, Lenda-Hand of Lebanon County, and Lutheran Disaster Response. Callers will need to provide basic information, including but not limited to their address, the type of work they need help with, and the status of utility services at the site. Callers will also need to verbally give their 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.
In addition, the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800985-5990, is a 24/7 national hotline 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. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
“We know that this has been a stressful time for flooding survivors as well as first responders who have been doing stressful and dangerous work to help their neighbors,” Flinn said. “Please reach out if you need someone to talk to. Free help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”