Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response

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 and

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