Hanna issues list of flood resources

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Centre/Clinton today provided residents that were affected by the disastrous flooding early last Friday in Centre and Clinton Counties with a comprehensive list of resources.

“This information is intended to help guide residents as they work to repair the damages caused by last week’s flooding,” said Hanna. “While this may not encompass every bit of information available, it is intended to serve as a starting point for those who may not know where to turn.”

Hanna said his district offices are always available to help answer questions, fill out documentation or apply for assistance. Please call the Milesburg office at 814-353-8780 or the Lock Haven office at 570-748-5480.

What to do now?
According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, homeowners should use the following tips to avoid falling victim to a home repair scam and to properly file claims.

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible;
• Save all your receipts;
• Take photos or video before you begin cleaning or making repairs;
• Make sure your insurer inspects the damage and approves major repairs; and
• If your claim is denied, review your policy carefully and then work to file an appeal with your insurance company’s claim manager.

The Insurance Department is a solid resource for consumers. Please call 1-877-881-6388 or go to www.insurance.pa.gov to learn more.

In addition, residents are encouraged to boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities alert residents that the water supply is safe.

Residents can always further educate themselves on disaster flooding by visiting www.ready.gov/floods or www.pema.pa.gov.

Interested in making a donation?
Donations are being accepted at the following locations:

• Helping Other People Excel (HOPE)
Cheryl & Jeff Walker
jcwalker04@comcast.net
814-880-1766
Helping Other People Excel, Inc.
c/o Cheryl Walker (Treasurer)
P.O. Box 972
Milesburg, PA 16853

• Interfaith Human Services – Displaced Residents Fund
Wendy Vinhage, Executive Director
wvinhage@ihs-centrecounty.org
814-234-7731
251 Easterly Parkway, Ste. 200
State College, PA 16801

• Howard Fire Company
Howard Fire Company
P.O. Box 276
Howard, PA 16841
Phone (814) 625-2761

Or via GoFundMe (donations via mail is preferred as GoFundMe takes a percentage of the donations)
https://www.gofundme.com/howard-volunteer-fire-company-2u3hvdvu?ssid=782501305&pos=1

• Freedom Life- PA – Seeking volunteers, donations, and financial assistance
https://freedomlife.wufoo.com/forms/centre-county-flood-relief/

• The American Red Cross
Mid-Central Pennsylvania Chapter Office
205 E. Beaver Ave., Suite 203
State College, PA 16801
814-237-3162
www.redcross.org

• FaithCentre Food Bank in Bellefonte
131 S. Allegheny St.
Bellefonte, PA 16823
814-355-4400
www.faithcentre.info/foodbanks.php

Need immediate assistance with clothing, shelter, food or other necessities?
In addition to the information provided above, you may also contact:

• Community Help Centre’s 24-hr hotline: 1-800-494-2500
• Centre County Office of Adult Services: 814-355-6768
• The Freedom Life Church in Milesburg: 814-355-4947 or www.freedomlife.tv
• The Runnville United Methodist Charge in Bellefonte: (814) 353-8380 or http://www.runvilleumc.com/

Are you a veteran in need?

The Centre County Veterans Affairs will be making special arrangements for veterans in the area who are in need. Director Brian Querry is available to assist you. Please call: 814-355-6812.

Need someone to assess your damage?

Information regarding property damages will be used to determine the county’s eligibility for disaster relief and assistance from the federal government. Please call the Centre County Emergency Management Agency to file a report at 814-355-6745 or the Clinton County Emergency Management Agency at 570-893-4090.

**Please do not press an extension or number after dialing the main number. Simply stay on the line and leave a voice message containing your name, phone number and address and someone will be sure to get back to you.

Need heating assistance?
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will begin taking applications on Nov. 1. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that enables the State to help low-income households meet their home heating needs.

While consumers may only receive one payment per season, they are encouraged to apply for assistance online atwww.compass.state.pa.us or by visiting the Centre or Clinton County Assistance Offices and/or one of Hanna’s district offices.

• Centre County Assistance Office
2580 Park Center Boulevard
State College, PA 16801
814-863-6571

• Clinton County Assistance Office
300 Bellefonte Avenue, Suite 101
Lock Haven, PA 17745
570-748-2971