PEMA Looks at Damage Following Severe Weather

On behalf of Gov. Edward Rendell, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director David Sanko said this week that Commonwealth agencies continue to support local response to the severe storms that ripped through the southeastern part of the state on Sunday, Aug. 1.

“PEMA is working with state, county and local officials to assess the damage caused by Sunday’s horrific storm,” Sanko said. “The State Emergency Operations Center has been partially activated to coordinate any state response necessary. All of the state agencies that can help continue to work feverishly to make sure these residents recover. We want to do everything we can to help them.

“Initial estimates from the damage-assessment teams report that more than 500 homes and businesses were affected by the storm,” said Sanko noted. “Commonwealth agencies were on the scene early at the direction of Governor Rendell. PEMA staff was on the ground that afternoon conducting damage assessments.”

The state Department of Environmental Protection has been responding to fuel spills at homes and businesses throughout the region caused by the flooding. DEP is taking steps to clean up contamination and to offer assistance to help residents address any imminent public health or environmental hazards.

In addition, water-quality staff is inspecting dams and impoundments and checking pumping stations and wastewater plants affected by rising waters and flooding.

The state Insurance Department immediately directed large insurers to send adjusters to the areas that were hardest hit and is providing tips to people on how to file claims for flood insurance.

The American Red Cross has two shelters open until further notice.

The Public Utility Commission reports that PECO-Electric is still working on power outages affecting about 300 homes. PECO-Gas had completed 1,500 restorations but still had 150 customers without service.