| Flooding in North-East United States: update page
Updated: 30th June, 5.00 a.m. EDT Help available for small businesses affected by flooding in 46 Pennsylvania counties In a statement released Wednesday, Rendell noted "the serious impact of this storm on the immediate and long-term economy of this region." Small companies impacted by the recent flooding across 46 counties can turn to the network of 16 Small Business Development Centers across the state for help in getting their businesses back up and running. "For precisely this reason, every business owner should have a disaster preparedness plan in place," said Pennsylvania SBDC State Director Gregory L. Higgins, Jr. "But if you do not, please contact your local SBDC for help. Consultants have a number of resources on hand to help small businesses recover when the unexpected happens. They'll also help develop an emergency response plan specifically tailored for your business." Confidential, no-fee consulting services are available from the SBDCs to help small companies with loss documentation, information on claim filing, locating and setting up short-term and permanent replacement facilities and assessing environmental cleanup options. SBDC consultants are also skilled in helping small firms apply for available financial assistance to enable them to become re-established quickly. SBDCs are located at Bucknell University, Clarion University, Duquesne University, Gannon University, Indiana University, Kutztown University, Lehigh University, Lock Haven University, Penn State University, Saint Francis University, Saint Vincent College, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, University of Pittsburgh, University of Scranton and Wilkes University. Visit http://www.pasbdc.org/where/ for a location map and contact information. Additional resources for small companies affected by the flooding are available in the Business Information Resources section of the Pennsylvania SBDC website, http://www.pasbdc.org/tools/emergency.asp
Department of Homeland Security statement: FEMA has activated the Regional Response Coordination Center in Philadelphia to integrate federal support for state and local response efforts. This center is staffed with approximately 30 FEMA personnel to monitor events as they unfold in the affected region. FEMA is in contact with state emergency management officials in the impacted states and it is deploying liaisons to state Emergency Operations Centers in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, to provide assistance to state officials as requested. In Maryland, FEMA has deployed four teams, of three members each, to conduct disaster assessments. The United States Coast Guard has two Jayhawk helicopter rescue crews conducting ongoing search and rescue operations. These crews rescued four people in the New Milford, Pa. area earlier today. This severe weather emphasizes the need for all Americans to take some basic steps to prepare for emergencies. DHS’ Ready Campaign urges individuals to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about local emergency plans. More information and resources are available at www.ready.gov or by calling 1-800-BE-READY.
Disaster declaration The Governor's Proclamation of Disaster Emergency authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel necessary to cope with the magnitude and severity of the emergency. Bid and contract procedures normally prescribed by law will be waived for the duration of the Proclamation. In addition to declaring a disaster, the Governor has directed Major General Jessica L Wright, the Adjutant General and Col. Jeffery B. Miller, PA State Police Commissioner, to take necessary steps to ensure personnel are available in the region. National Guard troops are en route to assist with life safety rescue missions to the affected region. Additionally, Governor Rendell has directed Col. Miller to take appropriate steps to ensure the availability of PA State Police (PSP) resources, including canceling all leave for PSP Troopers in Bethlehem (Troop M), Dunmore (Troop R), Hazleton (Troop N), Montoursville (Troop F), Philadelphia (Troop K), Wyoming (Troop P) barracks. Additionally, the Governor has asked Col. Miller to maximize the number of Troopers on patrol. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has assigned a liaison to the State Emergency Operations Center. In addition, the Governor has requested that FEMA preposition needed assets to the northern tier counties. James R. Joseph, Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, due to reports coming from the counties via the State Emergency Operations Center. The Public Utility Commission has been working with utility companies throughout the state to restore electricity. In addition, the Department of Environmental Protection compiled a list of high hazard dams to watch during the rain event forwarded it to PEMA. In addition they are responding to reports of fuel spills and hazardous material releases. The American Red Cross has opened more than 11 shelters in the northeast and is providing shelter and meals to at least 100 people. Individuals needing help should call their local city or county emergency management office as listed in the "Blue Pages" section of the phone book. In the event of an emergency, individuals should dial 911 or call their local police or fire department. In addition, residents should listen to the local Emergency Alert System station for updates and follow the direction of your local emergency management officials. PEMA officials continue to monitor events across the state. Additional flood safety information and weather updates can be found at www.PEMA.state.pa.us.
•Date: 29th June 2006• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: DR general |
