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Pennsylvania officials are actively monitoring the current and potential flooding situations in the commonwealth, caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. Department of Health employees are at the state emergency operations center and will continue to staff it 24/7 for the duration of this storm system and its immediate aftermath.
The National Weather Service is calling this a life threatening, very dangerous and significant storm system for portions of Pennsylvania. Several counties in the eastern portion of the state have already experienced major flooding from this system, with additional flooding forecasted for the coming days. The rain from this system is not expected to taper off until Friday.
If you or your loved ones live in an area that will be impacted by flooding from Tropical Storm Lee, please click on the links below to learn more about flood recovery to stay safe:
Preparing for Flooding
Monitor potential flooding in your area:
If you or a family member have special needs:
- This includes, but isn’t limited to, young children, older Pennsylvanians and
people who have special medical needs. Visit ReadyPA at www.readypa.org/specialneeds/ for information on planning for special needs.
- Inform local authorities about anyone who may have special needs.
- Plan for your pets, service animals and livestock
- If you evacuate your home, DO NOT leave animals behind. However, because many public shelters will not allow any pets inside except for service animals, you should plan ahead for different shelter options that will work for both you and your pets. Visit http://sart.psu.edu/ for more information.
If you are under a flood watch or warning, here are some basic steps to take to prepare:
- Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
- Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flooding occurs. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
- Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, birth certificates, etc.
- Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
Emergency Supplies you will need
- You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include:
- Several clean containers for water (or bottled water), large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).
- A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food.
- A first aid kit and manual.
- A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
- Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
- Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
- Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
- Extra food, water, and other supplies for your pets, service animals or livestock.
- Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.
- Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
- An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, jumper cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
Preparing to Evacuate
- Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it.
- When a flood watch/warning is issued, you should:
- Fill your automobile’s gas tank.
- If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
- Fill your clean water containers or make sure you have enough bottled water.
- Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
- Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
- Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
- Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, jumper cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
- Secure any items outside which may damage property during a flood, such as tables, grills, propane tanks, etc.
- Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
- Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.
If you are Ordered to Evacuate
- Because of the destructiveness of flooding, you should never ignore an evacuation order. Authorities will be most likely to direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area, or within the greatest potential path of flooding. Be aware that most shelters and some hotels do not accept pets. If a flood warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:
- Take only essential items with you.
- If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
- Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
- Make sure your automobile’s emergency kit is ready.
- Follow the designated evacuation routes—others may be blocked—and expect heavy traffic.
After the Flooding
- Store food safely while the power is out. Identify and throw away food that may not be safe to eat.
- Listen to and follow public announcements – including things like instructions for boiling or disinfecting water before using.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Don’t use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline-or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage – or near a window, door or vent.
- NEVER walk or drive through water on roadways.
- Avoid floodwater and mosquitoes.
- Avoid unstable buildings and structures.
- Beware of wild or stray animals.
- Beware of electrical and fire hazards.
- Beware of hazardous materials.
- Clean up and prevent mold growth in buildings that have flooded.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wear protective gear for cleanup work.
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