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...

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) ...

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

photo: morguefile.com 1. PA COVID-19 Gathering and Travel Restrictions Updated a . Revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 15% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. b . Revised maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 20% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. c . Eliminate out-of-state travel restrictions. In November, the Department of Health provided an updated travel order requiring anyone over the age of 11 who visits from another state to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or place themselves in a travel quarantine for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. Today, this order was rescinded. d . The governor reminds everyone that core public ...

photo: morguefile.com Transportation provider offers vaccination transportation Rabbit Transit , a regional public transportation provider, offers a variety of transportation services to the residents of the following counties: Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Franklin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York.  Rabbit Transit is offering shared ride transportation service to any community member who needs transportation to and from their scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Advance reservations are required and must be made no later than noon on the business day prior to their scheduled appointment. Riders must have a a confirmed COVID-19 vaccination appointment at the location for which they are requesting transportation. To make a reservation, call the Rabbit Transit Call Center at 1-800-632-9063 For additional information, click here: Rabbit Transit Governor Wolf Signs Fourth Renewal of COVID-19 Disaster Declaration The governor is using the renewal to spread t...

photo: morguefile.com 10 Ready-Made Tips You Can Use to Prepare for Disaster FEMA Region II National Preparedness Division in partnership with Region IV Individual and Community Preparedness is offering a webinar on how you can resolve to be ready in 10 steps.  Learn how to become more confident and less anxious in a disaster. During this webinar, you will learn to effectively develop an individual emergency preparedness plan to ready yourself and your family, learn what notifications you need, what emergency supplies to have, how to develop a family communications plan and prepare for the unique needs of your household, and more.  To register, click here: Prepare for Disaster Prepare for Tax Season: Tips to File Taxes, Avoid Scams and Stop Identity Theft  FEMA Region II National Preparedness Division for a webinar on preparing for the 2021 tax filing season. Guest speakers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will discuss important t...

photo: morguefile.com Wolf Administration Provides a COVID-19 Update Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine shared an update on the vaccine, stressing its safety and efficacy. The governor encouraged utilizing the various websites provided by the Commonwealth to fact check and become informed.  Vaccine related information can be accessed here: COVID-19 Vaccination Information COVID-19 Vaccine Resources COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs Pennsylvania COVID-19 Vaccination Plan FEMA offers Individual and Community Preparedness Resources Individuals and communities can work together to improve preparedness and respond to disasters and emergencies. Get involved in your community today, to help build capacity and plan for the unexpected. For resources and research, click here: Individual and Community Preparedness For Faith-based Community preparedness, click here: Faith-based Preparedness FEMA Disaster Preparedness Webinars The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEM...

photo: morgufile.com FREE WEBINAR: Keeping Employees Safe While Reducing Liability The National Safety Council is sponsoring a FREE webinar to discuss updated steps to help keep your workforce safe, help reduce your company's risk of a claim, and provide developments on applicable employment provisions and guidance in relation to the continuing pandemic, as you prepare for the potential return of your employees to the workplace. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, January 13, beginning at Noon, CST (1 p.m, Eastern). If you are unavailable for the live event, registering will give you access to the archived webinar the day after the broadcast date. To register, click here: Keeping Employees Safe COVID-19 Relief Bill: PA Businesses and the Latest Round of PPP The PA Chamber of Business and Industry will host a webinar on the COVID-19 Relief Bill: What PA Businesses Need to Know About the Latest Round of PPP, as part of its Bringing PA Back initiative . FREE - Thursday, January 7, ...