Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response

  By Doug Hoy, SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator Growing up, I spent many hours watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and learning life lessons that have formed who I am today. Fred Rogers was a pastor and, through his ministry and television show, he emphasized the importance of kindness, community, and friendship. He once said, “All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” When we think of disasters, what comes to mind? Hurricanes…Flooding…Wildfires…Earthquakes? Have we considered the homeless, the hungry, single parents, seniors, or that forgotten population between 18 and twenty-something? While the needs of survivors of the former certainly should occupy our thoughts, prayers, and actions, the latter also suffer. They are our neighbors and friends. They live in o...

  By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator Recently, my wife and I spent a weekend camping at Greene Hills Family Campground & RV Park. It was a relaxing time and we enjoyed experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of God’s creation. The colorful foliage, the sound of the nearby river, and the smell of cooking over a camp fire brought back fond childhood memories. We ended our weekend by attending the worship service. Vance Hart, the chaplain, shared a message of the importance of yeast. He spelled out how it is used to make bread and ferment grapes. As he spoke, I began to think about the aroma of freshly baked bread and the process of making it. Assemble the ingredients. Dissolve the yeast. Mix in the remainder of the ingredients. Knead the dough and allow it to rest and rise. Then, bake it and serve it. As these thoughts ran through my head on the drive home, I was reminded of the scriptural significance of bread and yeast.  Bread is not just something that sati...

Emergency Rental Assistance Even as the American economy continues its recovery from the pandemic, millions of Americans face deep rental debt and fear evictions and the loss of basic housing security. Recently, the Supreme Court blocked the Centers for Disease Control’s eviction moratorium. If you know of someone who needs Emergency Rental Assistance to cover overdue rent and utility bills, have them go to the following website to get connected and apply to programs in their local area. Emergency Rental Assistance Programs  

Did you know... COVID-19 vaccines are effective against severe disease and death from variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 currently circulating in the United States, including the Delta variant. Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant. When these infections occur among vaccinated people, they tend to be mild. If you are fully vaccinated and become infected with the Delta variant, you might be able to spread the virus to others. People with weakened immune systems, including people who take immunosuppressive medications, may not be protected even if fully vaccinated. If you haven't been vaccinated, please consider it. Call 1-800-232-0233, or go to www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccination site near you. Now that we have come together, let's take the steps to stay together. 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responds to disasters in the United States and around the world by working with communities and local partners. When a disaster overwhelms a community’s ability to recover on its own, UMCOR provides essential relief supplies and supports long-term rebuilding efforts. While UMCOR is not a first-response organization, it stands ready to accompany communities in need over the long haul of their recovery until a “new normal” is established after a crisis. “Early in and last out” is a guiding principle of UMCOR. With disasters such as Hurricane Henri affecting the East Coast, wildfires in the west, and the destruction in Haiti, there are many opportunities to support UMCOR efforts. Information about UMCOR disaster response efforts can be found by clicking U.S. Disaster Response or International Disaster Response. To provide financial assistance to the UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery effort (Advance #901670), click here . To give to...

Protect yourself from “storm chasers” after a natural disaster  Natural disasters like storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires often bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors taking advantage of those who have already been victimized. Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver. For additional information and tips on finding assistance after a storm, click After the disaster  

IRS Natural Disaster Assistance The IRS provides important information on how taxpayers and businesses can rebuild records as well as receive disaster relief and emergency assistance after a natural disaster. For more information, click IRS Disaster Assistance Federal Natural Disaster Assistance for Veterans Veterans who have been impacted by a natural disaster, can receive priority service to replace a Separation Document (usually DD Form 214 or equivalent). To receive priority assistance, complete one of the following documents. Place the word “Natural Disaster” in the “Comments” section of eVetRecs request, or In the "Purpose" section of the Standard Form (SF) 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records. State Natural Disaster Assistance for Veterans The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and the Veterans' Temporary Assistance (VTA) program stand by to assist with damages incurred during the severe storms across Pennsylvania recently.  VTA...

Flood Assistance for PA Counties The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Governor Wolf’s request to make financial aid available to residents in Bucks, Philadelphia, and Tioga counties after severe storms caused devastating flooding and significant damage on July 12. Residents and businesses in the neighboring counties of Bradford, Delaware, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton and Potter can also apply for aid. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s and should apply under SBA declaration # 17054, not for the COVID-19 incident. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov . Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to:  U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing ...

Preparing For A Safe New School Year With the first day of the 2021-22 school year approximately one month away, the departments of Health (DOH) and Education (PDE) are offering recommendations to families and schools as they safely prepare for in-person teaching and learning. Click here for New School Year Guidance or go to the PA Department of Education website. Fraudulent “COVID-19 Compensation Lottery Prize” scam The World Health Organization (WHO) has been made aware of correspondences being circulated by scammers (acting under the name of Capital Finance, Inc. London), falsely notifying recipients of such correspondences that they have been selected as a beneficiary/winner of a $1 million lottery compensation prize payment for losses and damages suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These fraudulent correspondences falsely allege that the so-called “COVID-19 Lottery Compensation Prize” is brought to you by WHO, in association with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ...

Housing Assistance The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development partnered to develop a housing assistance website to help homeowners and renters facing eviction or foreclosure during the coronavirus pandemic. Also available is a step-by-step guide for renters that are at risk of eviction, developed by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Doug Hoy SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator drc@susumc.org

Back to school shopping for tech After the crash course in educational technology that was the 2020 school year, teachers and students are increasingly confident in using technology for learning. Though its role in the classroom will continue to evolve, a precedent has been set – technology is now a critical component of education. As families begin to invest in reliable technology, the Better Business Bureau (BBB®) advises shoppers to beware of scammers who could spoil your hopes for academic success. Click here for shopping tips to protect your and your purchases. BBB Tip: Back to school shopping for tech supplies Doug Hoy SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator drc@susumc.org

9 Tips for college students to avoid ID theft As college students prepare to head back to campus in the next few weeks, fighting fraud may not be at the top of their list of priorities. However, the Better Business Bureau says college students are very susceptible to identity theft. They can take steps to lay a path for a healthy financial future by taking nine simple steps to fight identity theft on campus. Click here for more information: Avoid ID Theft at College Doug Hoy SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator drc@susumc.org

FEMA COVID Funeral Assistance Amendment FEMA is amending the agency’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance policy to assist with COVID-19 related fatalities that occurred in the early months of the pandemic.  This policy change will allow applicants to submit a statement or letter from the death certificate’s certifying official, medical examiner, or coroner, that attributes the death to COVID-19 fatalities that occurred between January 20 and May 16, 2020 For more information, call the COVID-19 helpline tollfree, at 844-684-6333, or go to FEMA.gov . Doug Hoy SUSUMC Disaster Response Coordinator drc@susumc.org

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program is intended to help eligible families and households who are struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 2.8 million households have already enrolled in this program that provides discounts on services and devices. To learn more and apply, click here: Emergency Broadband Benefit To help increase awareness about the EBB, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will be conducting a webinar for grassroots advocates, navigators, and others helping their local communities get connected.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2021 4-5 PM  and will cover program basics, a walk-through of the online application process, and resources available to help drive enrollment. To register for the webinar, click here: USAC Webinar Disaster Distress Hotline The Disaster Distress Hotline offers a new Videophone (“DDH VP”) service option with a 24/7 d...

Department Of Health Lifting Universal Masking Order The Pennsylvania Department of Health today has lifted the order requiring universal face coverings  on Monday, June 28. Even though the universal masking order has been lifted, businesses, organizations, health care providers and other entities maintain the option of requiring employees, guests or customers to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status. "Dirty Dozen" tax scams for 2021 The Internal Revenue Service has begun its "Dirty Dozen" list for 2021 with a warning for taxpayers, tax professionals and financial institutions to be on the lookout for these 12 nefarious schemes and scams. This year's "Dirty Dozen" will be separated into four separate categories: Pandemic-related scams like Economic Impact Payment theft; Personal information cons including phishing, ransomware and phone "vishing;" Ruses focusing on unsuspecting victims like fake charities and senior/immigrant fra...

Emphasis on Vaccine Safety for Teens and Young Adults First Lady Frances Wolf and Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson moderated a panel discussion on vaccine safety for teens and young adults. Entitled Vax Facts: Teen Edition, the discussion was the fifth event in a series that seeks to provide relevant and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines and address the questions of concerned citizens. More details from the discussion, including the full video can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Facebook page or on PAcast .   

PA mask order will be lifted by June 28  or at 70 percent vaccination The PA Department of Health announced that the commonwealth’s mask order will be lifted by June 28  or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose, whichever comes first. Pennsylvania will continue to follow the CDC guidance for wearing a mask where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. For additional information, click PA Mask Order For CDC guidelines, click here: CDC Mask Guidance COVID-19 RESILIENCE: Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Care Discoveries in a Pandemic Vibrant’s Crisis Emotional Care Team will host a symposium on COVID-19 + RESILIENCE: SYMPOSIUM ON MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL CARE DISCOVERIES IN A PANDEMIC.  The virtual symposium will feature key learning from COVID-19 and will highlight how organizations can continue to advocate for the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of others in the face of the ongoing effects of thi...

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens On May 10th, children aged 12 years and older became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. To answer questions about vaccinating children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared a COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteens and Teens fact sheet with information on safety, possible side effects, and tips on what to do before, during and after your child’s vaccination. Additional resources for parents are listed in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Parents of Adolescents Toolkit (also available in Spanish ) Gov. Wolf Signs Renewal of COVID-19 Disaster Declaration to Aid in Recovery “The disaster declaration allows more medical professionals to administer vaccines, ensures families harmed financially by the pandemic have access to healthy food through SNAP benefits and ensures Pennsylvania counties and businesses remain eligible for federal disaster recovery dollars." Full article HERE . Doug Hoy SUSUMC Disast...

To: Susquehanna Conference  From: Doug Hoy  Date: Monday, May 17, 2021  Subject: CDC PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE  www.susmb.org   Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse Twitter: @UMCDisResp  “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and  perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope…" (Romans 5:3-4).  On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released interim public health recommendations  indicating people who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask or physically distance themselves when indoors or outdoors. In doing so, the CDC has recognized the “vaccines in the United States are highly effective at  protecting vaccinated people against symptomatic and severe COVID-19,” and “that fully vaccinated people are less  likely to have asymptomatic infection or transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others.” T...

You Are the Help Until Help Arrives Life-threatening emergencies can happen fast and emergency responders aren’t always nearby. Learn five simple steps that can enable you to save a life. For additional information and online training opportunities, please click here: You Are the Help Communities of Strength May is Older Americans Month. And, FEMA will present a free webinar, “Communities of Strength,” to share their best practices, lessons learned and stories from the field including their COVID-19 response highlighting community strength. Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET To register, click here: Communities of Strength 5 Types of Phishing Attacks to Watch For Phishing Comes In Many Forms, As Fraudsters Work Across Email And Other Communications Channels To Steal From Your Company.  For additional information, click here: Phishing Attacks CDC Updates Pandemic Travel Recommendations CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, because travel increases you...

Wolf Administration to Lift Mitigation Orders On Memorial Day, Mitigation orders except masking will be lifted on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 at 12:01 AM. Masking is still required indoors and outdoors until 70% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. Updates will not prevent municipalities and school districts from continuing and implementing stricter mitigation efforts.  Governor’s Press Release Crack down on companies peddling fake COVID treatments and cures The Federal Trade Commission has sent 30 warning letters to companies that claimed their products can prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. The companies involved peddling everything from chiropractic adjustments, exercise sessions, nasal mists and rinses, vitamins, supplements, and extracts. For tips on spotting unsupported treatment claims, click here: Fake COVID Treatments 

Vaccine Considerations for People with Disabilities This CDC website provides information for people with disabilities or conditions and for their care providers. Included on the website are resources about COVID-19 that are easy to read , resources for people with limited English and resources in American Sign Language . The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) has also shared vaccine resources for people with disabilities. 

Where two or three are gathered, will God really be there? I know, this sounds like a very silly question to ask. Of course He will be, right? Recently, a friend shared her reservations about returning to in-person worship after spending the last year worshipping virtually. She has been faithful in wearing her mask and being as socially distant as she can. On Sunday, she gave herself a pep talk and headed to her car with the intention of going to church. She pulled into the parking lot and walked into the church. But, that is as far as she would go. “With like 400 people who were singing with no masks on! That’s all I could focus on. And, that’s not what He deserves.” She returned to her car and watched the service online from there. In a moment of empathy, I offered the words of Matthew 18:20 to her and suggested the verse never mentions that those two or three must gather in a church building. Later, I read the verse again, along with the associated verses. It added context to the me...

photo: morguefile.com FEMA providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funerals FEMA is providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline - 1-844-684-6333 Click here for an informative video: COVID Funeral Assistance Frequently Asked Questions can be found here: COVID Funeral FAQs COVID-19 Financial Assistance for COVID-19 Related Funerals Webinar A free webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 20, to provide additional information regarding this program. Register here: English: 1 – 2 PM ET    Spanish: 3 – 4 PM ET    Addressing Your Concerns About the COVID-19 Vaccine FEMA will present the webinar: "Addressing Your Concerns about the COVID-19 Vaccine" on Tuesday, April 27 at 2 – 3:30 PM ET.   The webinar will provide information on the science behind the vaccine, common myths about the vaccine, and more.   To register, click here: Concerns about the vaccine

Struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic? The Administration for Community Living will present the webinar: "Increasing Connectivity with the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)" to provide information about the Federal Communications Commission program that helps households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. A connected device with internet access provides a gateway to social engagement with family and friends while practicing physical distancing; healthcare services; remote work and school; and supplies and meals. During the webinar, attendees will learn about the program, who is eligible, how it works, and how to help people enroll.  Thursday, April 15, 3-4 PM Click here for additional information and to register: Emergency Broadband Benefit Webinar FREE Transportation to vaccination appointments Rabbit Transit is offering shared ride transportation service to any community member who needs transportation to and from their scheduled...

5 things you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines  The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative are sharing resources, along with the latest information, to empower people to make informed choices about the COVID-19 vaccine.  You will not catch COVID-19 from COVID-19 vaccines.   Researchers made sure that the trials included adults of diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and geographic areas.   People with underlying medical conditions can receive FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccines. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at risk for  severe illness from COVID-19.   We should continue wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart from people we don't live with,  avoiding crowds, and washing our hands.   Getting immunized aga...

“ To Be or Not To Be. ” This is probably one of the most well-known of Shakespeare’s monologues. In fact, it may be the most famous in all literature. And, while we know as he uttered these words Hamlet was contemplating some pretty dark subjects, a deeper review of the “nunnery scene” suggests he was asking a larger question: Is it easier to passively deal with the discomfort in life or take drastic measures to avoid it? The doubt, confusion, and eventual madness that ensued remind me of where we stand with the pandemic. Speaking in this manner indicated Hamlet was weighing the facts of each side of the question in order to make an informed decision. To a similar degree, many of us have taken this same approach to addressing the pandemic. To be wearing face coverings, or not to be wearing them? Are they effective? Should we remain socially distant? Or, can we meet in-person? Does it really make a difference? Should we get the vaccine? Is it really effective?  There is so much inf...

photo: morguefile.com United Way of Pennsylvania COVID-19 Impact Survey The United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP), has launched their 2nd COVID-19 Impact Survey!  Their first survey was a 6 month look at the impact of the pandemic on Pennsylvania families. Now UWP is conducting a second survey to help inform advocates about the experiences of Pennsylvania communities.  This survey asks about childcare, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, and employment status. The United Way is asking everyone to help by completing the survey and sharing it. Here are the links to the survey:  English: http://bit.ly/UWPsurvey Spanish: http://bit.ly/UWPEncuesta Register to become a COVID-19 Vaccine Point of Distribution (POD) The Disaster Response Ministry is working with our partners in the PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to provide staffing of POD sites throughout the Commonwealth. Almost every county has their own p...