Hurricane Ida flood resources

This page includes local, state and federal resources and links related to Hurricane Ida on Sept. 1, 2021.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official designated Hurricane Ida in PA as “Pennsylvania Remnants of Hurricane Ida: 4618-DR-PA.” As of Sept. 24, 2021, eight Pennsylvania counties were included in the federal disaster declaration: Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and York counties.

The federal disaster declaration allowed people in these counties, who were impacted by Hurricane Ida and its aftermath, to apply (“register”) with FEMA for financial help.

Bucks County also experienced a 100-year flood July 12, 2021. Resources related to this flood also are included (scroll to Local resources - Bucks County resources).

As 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Ida nears, LASP continues to help low-income survivors

(Aug. 21, 2023)

Legal problems stemming from natural disasters last for years, and Hurricane Ida survivors also face long-term legal issues. With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ida on Sept. 1, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA continues to work on Hurricane Ida cases, and will continue to help low-income survivors with legal problems related to Hurricane Ida in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. This work continues thanks to a disaster relief supplemental grant from Legal Services Corporation (LSC).

To contact Legal Aid of Southeastern PA about a legal problem related to Hurricane Ida or other civil legal issue, please call our Helpline at 877-429-5994 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or apply online 24/7 at lasp.org/apply.

Long-term legal issues arising after a natural disaster can include:

Federal

• Personal bankruptcy

• Recoupment processes

• Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)

State

• Insurance claims and disputes

• Consumer protection and contractor disputes

• Foreclosures

• Domestic violence

• Title clearing

• Employment issues

• Equal access/non-discrimination

Further reading

• Article on our website news page

LASP’s work to help low-income survivors of Hurricane Ida will continue, with a disaster relief grant from Legal Services Corp.

(updated July 6, 2022)

LASP will continue efforts related to Hurricane Ida in Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties, thanks to a disaster relief supplemental grant from Legal Services Corporation.

In a June 22 press release, LSC president Ronald S. Flagg stated, “Low-income people who confront civil legal issues in the wake of natural disasters face an uphill battle, and they shouldn’t have to go it alone. We are grateful that Congress recognizes the need for legal assistance in these recovering communities and provided this funding that will help our neighbors repair and stay in their homes, obtain key identification documents, apply for benefits and so much more.”

Further reading:

• LASP website article (July 6, 2022)

• Legal Services Corporation Awards $38 Million to Support Legal Aid Response to Natural Disasters (LSC press release, June 22, 2022)

Montgomery County extends Ida disaster declaration ahead of storm’s one-year mark

(July 8, 2022)

Story by Rachel Ravina | Pottstown Mercury | https://bit.ly/3SWvGGf

Wolf administration urges Pennsylvanians to prepare for hurricane season, consider purchasing flood insurance

(July 1, 2022)

Source: PA Dept. of Insurance press release (July 1, 2022)

How to file a complaint about your insurance company or public adjuster with the Pennsylvania Dept. of Insurance

(updated June 29, 2024)

Are you having problems with insurance company or public adjuster?

Let the PA Insurance Department know by filing a complaint.

(May 25, 2022)

MAPLE GLEN - At a May 5, 2022 community meeting, residents of Horsham and Upper Dublin townships discussed problems with insurance claims related to Hurricane Ida and the tornado that heavily damaged homes and businesses in their Montgomery County neighborhoods. The one-hour meeting was hosted by State Sen. Maria Collett, Rep. Todd Stephens, Rep. Ben Sanchez and the Upper Dublin Township Board of Commissioners at Maple Glen Elementary School in Maple Glen.

David Buono, Deputy Insurance Commissioner for Pennsylvania, gave brief remarks and asked the audience to share their problems with insurance claims. Residents spoke openly about disputed claims and delayed payments, which they said are leaving them with an unclear path forward while waiting for insurance payouts. Some residents said they were receiving insurance payments of $10,000-$15,000 at a time on $400,000 claims, which they said were not substantial enough to rebuild and move on.

How to file a complaint with the PA Dept. of Insurance

(updated June 29, 2024)

The Pennsylvania Dept. of Insurance asks residents who are having problems with insurance claims to file a complaint.

How to submit a complaint to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Insurance ON PAPER

1. Print the 3-page Complaint Form (shown at right)

2. Fill it out and mail or fax the Complaint Form to:

   Pennsylvania Insurance Department Bureau of Consumer Services, Room 1209, Strawberry Square Harrisburg, PA 17120

   Fax: 717-787-8585

3. Questions? Call the toll-free Consumer Hotline: 877-881-6388.

How to submit a complaint to the Pennsyania Dept. of Insurance ONLINE

You have to create a login and password.

Luis A. Ventura Jr., Insurance Investigator for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department / Bureau of Consumer Services, provided information on steps on June 3, 2024:

1. Go to insurance.pa.gov. 

   Under the word "consumer" click on "file a complaint, which will take you to https://bit.ly/create-pa-gov-consumer-account. At this point, you will be on a page titled “Pennsylvania Consumer Services Online Create Account” and you have to create an ID and password before you can submit the complaint.

2. The information you need to create the ID and password:

   • Email address

   • Name

   • Address

   • Home, work and/or cellphone numbers

   • Choose preferred phone number (cell, work or home)

   • Choose preferred method of communication (portal only, United States Postal Service only, or both)

3. Questions? Visit the ​Consumer Services Online Portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page: https://bit.ly/pa-consumer-portal-FAQs

Website & social media for the Dept. of Insurance

• PA Dept. of Insurance website: insurance.pa.gov

• PA Dept. of Insurance Consumer Services: https://www.insurance.pa.gov/Consumers

• Twitter/X: @PAInsuranceDept | https://x.com/PAInsuranceDept

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/painsurancedepartment/

Hurricane Preparedness in PA

(May 09, 2022)

by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Association (PEMA)

​The Atlantic hurricane season is almost here – beginning June 1! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30.

What can we expect this year?

NOAA will issue its initial seasonal outlook for the 2022 hurricane season in late May. NOAA maintains data that defines what an average season looks like, but the number of storms only, not their impacts. Last year, the average annual count for tropical systems was updated to reflect the most recent 30 years of hurricane data from 1991 to 2020.

The 30-year average for the Atlantic basin yields:

• 14 named storms

• 7 hurricanes

• 3 major hurricanes

The hurricane season has shown a more active trend of both hurricanes and tropical storms over the past few decades.

Continue reading to learn more about hurricane hazards and how you can be ready.

PA Hurricane Hazards and What to Expect

The difference between hurricanes and (named) tropical storms comes down to wind speed. A tropical storm has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph. A hurricane has maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph or greater (64 knots or greater).

Regardless, both can cause significant damage. Hazards related to hurricanes and tropical storms include rain, wind, tornadoes, waves, and storm surge. In Pennsylvania, we focus on preparing for rain, wind and tornadoes since our coastal areas are limited, reducing threats for waves and surge.

Rain (Flooding)

Inland river and flash flooding from heavy rain is the most common threat statewide, and flooding is the most likely threat from a tropical system in Pennsylvania.

You don’t have to live in a flood zone to see the threat of flooding. In fact, 20 percent of all flood claims are for properties outside of high-risk flood areas. Half of the lives lost due to flooding are in vehicles, often at night with limited visibility, so never attempt to drive through flood waters. Last year, Ida alone was responsible for four flood-related deaths in Pennsylvania.

Wind/Tornado (Damage)

Hurricanes can bring damaging wind and tornadoes. Both Isaias in 2020 and Ida in 2021 brought with them numerous tornadoes, some strong, resulting in injury and a fatality. Tornadoes are 4th on the list of our top ten threats we face in Pennsylvania.

Don’t think a tornado can affect you? Since 1950, tornadoes have been recorded in every county of the state. In 2021 alone, there were 44 tornadoes, the second-highest annual tally in the state. (1998 tops the list with 61.)

Learn more

• Information about multiple hazards and how tropical storms and hurricanes can affect you and your family’s safety.

• Source: ReadyPA Newsletter (May 9, 2022)

Yes, Pennsylvania, we are all at some risk of flooding

(March 11, 2022)

By the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Association

​I don’t live in a flood zone. Why should I care about flooding? Am I at risk?

Yes. Anywhere it can rain, it can also flood. And we have a map that shows you that most flooding reported to the National Weather Service happened outside the 100-year flood zone!

March is a month of seasonal transition in Pennsylvania. The first day of spring is March 21, yet we are also still at risk of major snowstorms (Remember the blizzards in 1993 and 1997 and the nor'easter in 2018?). As a result, March is also when we begin shifting our attention to flooding risks. Rapid snow melt and heavy rain increases the risk of flooding in Pennsylvania. That risk isn’t just near those who live along a river, creek or stream. Everyone in Pennsylvania is at some risk of flooding which can have disastrous results. Take a look at this short videoOpens In A New Window that describes a restaurant owner’s personal experience with unexpected flooding in 2018.

To understand who is at risk of flooding and where, we recently plotted all the locations of flood reports that were made to the National Weather Service from 1993 through 2021.

Then we color coded the locations to better understand where the flooding occurred:

• Flood reports over one-half mile outside the FEMA 100-year floodplain area are marked red.

• Flood reports falling within one-half mile of the FEMA 100-year floodplain are in green.

According to the map, approximately 90% of flooding in Pennsylvania that was reported to the National Weather Service occurred outside of the “FEMA 100-year flood plain”. The 100-year flood plain means there is a 1% chance of flooding in that area each year.  This map shows that 90% of the flooding reported, occurred in areas where there is less than a 1% chance of flooding each year.

How are there so many reports of flooding outside the high-risk flood areas?

There is risk of flooding anywhere there is excess water due to rain and/or snowmelt that accumulates faster than the ground can absorb it, or the drainage systems can carry it away.

Given that Pennsylvania has more than 83,000 miles of riverways, it makes sense that we are most familiar with “river flooding," and the risks associated with living near a body of water. Flooding along rivers, creeks, and streams occurs when heavy rains, rapid snow melt or erosion cause water levels to rise and overflow beyond the banks that contain them. But that’s only part of the story; in addition to river flooding, there is also coastal, flash, and urban flooding in Pennsylvania.

Flash and urban flooding is what puts so many additional red dots on that map.

About Flash and Urban Flooding

The National Weather ServiceOpens In A New Window explains that flash floods can be caused by extremely heavy rainfall from thunderstorms, dam or levee breaks or mudslides.

How quickly the flash flooding can occur depends on the intensity of the rainfall, land use and topography, vegetation types and how wet the ground is from prior rainfall or snowmelt.

Urban or populated areas are prone to flooding when impervious surfaces (parking lots, buildings, roads) do not allow water to infiltrate the ground or when storm drains and sewers overflow.  It can often show up in the form of wet basements and sewer backups. 

Flash and urban flooding is difficult to predict, very dangerous, and can cause costly damage.

Why flash and urban flooding can be so dangerous…

• Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

• A foot of water will float most vehicles.

• Two feet of fast-moving water can carry away cars, SUVs and pick-ups trucks.

…And costly

• Just one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damage.

• Most homeowner and renter insurance does not cover damages from flooding.

Rather than asking whether you are at risk, consider finding out the level of risk for where you live (or work) and what you can do to mitigate it.

How To Get Started with Mitigation

1. Find out your level of risk. FEMA's flood map can help you determine your region's risk of flooding. Some regions are marked with color codes indicating the likelihood of flooding there.

2. Lower your risk. Mitigating your flood risk not only protects your property against flood damage but can also help lower insurance costs.
   Learn about what you can do to reduce your risk.

3. Prepare your home regardless of risk. Even if your region is listed as low to moderate risk, there are several ways to lessen the likelihood of flooding or mitigate the damage if you do have water in your home. Take a look at this tip sheet to learn more.

Flooding has shown Pennsylvania how devastating it can be. The more you learn, prepare for, and protect yourself and loved ones and your home against flooding, the easier your recovery. Download our Ready PA monthly newsletter for more helpful information to stay safe.

Source: ReadyPA blog, March 11, 2022

More news and updates

• Preparedness for floods and wildfires: Learn your home’s risk at RiskFactor.com

  (May 25, 2022) Risk Factor™ is a free online tool created by the nonprofit First Street Foundation® that makes it easy for Americans to find their property’s risk from environmental threats such as flooding and wildfires and understand how risks are changing because of a changing environment. The site currently addresses flood risk and wildfire risk.

• “Wolf Administration Warns Pennsylvanians Of Spring Flooding, Urges Homeowners To Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance”

  (April 21, 2022) Pennsylvania Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys today urged property owners to consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes, businesses, and possessions.

  For many Pennsylvanians, flooding caused by heavy spring rainfall can be a common occurrence. Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home.

  Pennsylvania Dept. of insurance press release

• FEMA announces new Swift Current Initiative to support flood mitigation; apply April 1-Oct. 3, 2022 and check local government for possible earlier deadlines

(March 25, 2022) Please see our website News story for information and links.

• Pennsylvania Recovery Six Months Since Ida Hit

  (March 11, 2022) FEMA press release

Jan. 10, 2022 was the FEMA application deadline for Pennsylvania

The deadline for Pennsylvania residents to apply for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was Jan. 10, 2022.

Free legal assistance available for Pennsylvania Hurricane Ida survivors - Call 877-429-5994

HELPLINE NUMBER: 877-429-5994

Need legal help due to Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania? Low-income survivors may call 877-429-5994 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or leave a message. Legal Aid of Southeastern PA is providing the statewide legal aid Helpline, in partnership with:

• MidPenn Legal Services, Inc.

• North Penn Legal Services, Inc.

• Philadelphia Legal Assistance

• American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

• Federal Emergency Management Agency

How the Helpline works

Callers should identify that they are seeking storm-related legal assistance and should identify the county in which they are located and their legal problems. Callers will then be routed to the correct legal aid organization based on their location. Survivors who qualify for assistance will be matched with Pennsylvania lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.

Sara Planthaber, LASP Staff Attorney and Hurricane Ida Helpline Specialist, noted, "Applicants only have 60 days from the date on their denial/decision letter to appeal, so it's important to call us right away once they receive their decision letter."

Examples of legal assistance available may include:

• Help with FEMA denials.

• Assistance with securing FEMA and other benefits available to disaster survivors.

• Help with home repair contracts and contractors.

• Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster.

• Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures.

• Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems.

• Counseling on landlord/tenant problems.

• Assistance with life, medical, and property insurance claims.

To get help with legal issues from Hurricane Ida, call 877-429-5994 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or leave a message. Your call will be returned.

Sources:

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA Hurricane Ida Helpline Specialist and Free Legal Assistance Available for Pennsylvania Remnants of Hurricane Ida Survivors HELPLINE NUMBER: 1 (877) 429 5994 (American Bar Association press release, Oct. 8, 2021). Or visit the ABA Disaster Hotlines webpage and scroll to “Pennsylvania hotline - Pennsylvania Remnants of Hurricane Ida.”

The news release is also posted in full at our News page.

How to appeal a FEMA decision

(updated Jan. 26, 2022)

Do you disagree with the determination letter you received from FEMA about disaster assistance for Hurricane Ida damages? You can appeal. Missing documents are some of the most common reasons a FEMA application gets denied.

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA is helping people file FEMA appeals. Call 877-429-5994 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., or leave a message.

Here is the process of how to appeal a FEMA decision:

Often, determinations of ineligibility arise from a lack of sufficient documentation.

An application might need an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, or proof the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

• Insurance: If coverage is not enough to make essential home repairs, pay for a place to stay or replace personal items, FEMA may reconsider an application. But you must provide documents from your insurance company that detail any settlement. Remember: FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.

• Homeowner or renter occupancy: FEMA may reconsider someone for grants if documents are provided that prove the damaged structure was your primary residence. FEMA needs to see utility bills, driver’s license or a copy of the lease or rental agreement. There is no federal disaster assistance for secondary or vacation homes.

• Ownership: Documents that prove ownership may include mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed.

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision of the amount or type of assistance, you can submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support the claim.

How to file an appeal

All appeals must be filed in writing. Explain why the decision may be incorrect. When submitting a letter, please include:

• Your full name

• Date and place of birth

• Address of the damaged dwelling

• FEMA disaster number (4618-DR-PA for Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania)

• Your FEMA registration number (on each page)

• All supporting documents

If you are having someone help you write the appeal letter, there must be a signed statement affirming that person may act on your behalf. Keep a copy of the appeal for your records.

Important: you must file your appeal within 60 days of the date on the FEMA determination letter

To file an appeal, letters and documentation must be postmarked or received by fax within 60 days of the date on the FEMA determination letter. Sara Planthaber, LASP’s Hurricane Ida Helpline Specialist, explains, “The 60-day clock starts on the date of the determination (i.e., the date on the letter). Some people elect for electronic communication, but even then, it might take up to 48 hours for an email notification to be sent.”

3 ways to submit your appeal to FEMA

• Online: DisasterAssistance.gov (Upload to your account)

• By mail: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

• By fax: 800-827-8112. Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program   Questions? Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. TTY users may call 800-462-7585. FEMA’s Helpline is available from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Pennsylvania survivors with additional needs resulting from the impacts from Hurricane Ida may call 2-1-1 for referral to a community/volunteer organization for assistance.

Source: Don’t Agree with Disaster Assistance Determination Letter? FEMA May Take a Second Look (FEMA, Dec. 10, 2021)

Eight Tips for Appealing a FEMA Determination Letter

(Jan. 23, 2023)

FEMA offers eight suggestions for appealing a FEMA decision.

• https://bit.ly/fema-appeal-tips-2023

How to apply for FEMA assistance online or by phone

(Updated Jan. 26, 2022)

Note: Deadline to apply for help from FEMA was Jan. 10, 2022.

This information remains on the website to provide background information such as the section, “Stay in touch with FEMA.”

Because of the Hurricane Ida disaster declaration, residents of Bedford, Bucks Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and York counties who were impacted by Hurricane Ida can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Deadline to apply: Monday, Jan. 10, 2022! Apply if you suffered property damage or loss directly caused by the hurricane. Even if you have insurance, FEMA encourages you to apply for disaster assistance. Help may be available for uninsured or underinsured damages and if insurance claims are not promptly settled.

Individual Assistance (IA) is available to individuals and households for emergency work and the repair or replacement of homes damaged by Hurricane Ida. Federal assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing, home repairs to primary residences as well as other disaster-related needs. The aid FEMA provides is for basic survivor needs and is the first step to recovery.

The Small Business Administration has announced low-interest loans for personal property, real property, and business losses in connection with Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania. (Read details in this SBA press release.)

How to apply for disaster assistance

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and York counties can apply for assistance.

Sara Planthaber, LASP's Hurricane Ida Helpline Specialist, noted, "FEMA funds can also be used to cover losses in excess of an insurance award. For example, if it costs $20,000 to repair a roof and insurance will only cover $10,000, a homeowner could request $10,000 in FEMA assistance to pay the rest of the cost."

• Apply (“register”) online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov (FEMA recommends applying online for fastest service.)

• To apply in Spanish, visit DisasterAssistance.gov/es.

• Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing and speech impaired. Operators can also answer questions about applications already submitted.

To apply, you will need:

• Your address with zip code

• Directions to your property

• Condition of your damaged home

• Insurance information, if available

• Social Security number

• Phone number where you can be contacted

• Address where you can get mail

• Email address (Email address is REQUIRED to check your registration status online. If you do not provide an email address, you will have to contact FEMA for any updates to your registration.)

• Bank account information

  • If you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be sent directly to your bank account.

  • Provide your bank account type, account number, and bank routing number.

After your registration process is complete, you will receive a call from FEMA to follow up. An inspector will schedule an appointment to visit your home. Please note that FEMA-contracted inspectors will not require bank account information.

If you do not have a Social Security number:

As long as someone in the home is a citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified undocumented immigrant, they can apply for FEMA assistance. The Montgomery County Hurricane Ida webpage explains:

• "You, another adult member or minor child in your household must have a Social Security number. You or they must also be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. If you don't have a Social Security number, read the article How do I apply for a new or replacement Social Security number card."

‘I’m not sure if I qualify for help from FEMA. Should I apply?’

If you are not sure whether or not you are eligible for help, FEMA recommends applying!

Stay in touch with FEMA:

• After registering, you will be given a FEMA registration number

• Be sure to write your number down and save it

• You will need the number whenever you contact FEMA

Deadline to apply: Jan. 10, 2022

What happens after you apply

• What to expect after you apply for FEMA assistance in Pennsylvania (FEMA press release, Sept. 16, 2021)

• I Applied for Assistance. What's Next? (FEMA)

Sources:

• Time is Running Out to Register for FEMA Assistance (FEMA, Jan. 7, 2021)

• Deadline to Register for FEMA Assistance Extended to Jan. 10 (FEMA, Dec. 8, 2021)

• Deadline to Register for FEMA Assistance Extended to Dec. 10 (FEMA, Nov. 9, 2021)

• How to Register with FEMA for Disaster Assistance in Pennsylvania (FEMA, Sept. 15, 2021)

About the FEMA disaster declaration

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties are included in the Sept. 10, 2021 federal disaster declaration. Bedford and Northampton counties were added to the disaster declaration on Sept. 24, 2021.

The federal disaster declaration in Pennsylvania means that federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and families affected by this disaster in the eight counties. Details on how to apply (“register”) for FEMA assistance in person, online or by phone are included below.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) information for Federal Disaster Assistance for Remnants of Ida.

Furnaces, septic systems, bridges &/or wells may be eligible for FEMA assistance: New from FEMA (Oct. 22, 2021)

Pennsylvania homeowners in Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York counties whose furnaces, septic systems, bridges and/or wells were damaged between Aug. 31, 2021 - Sep. 5, 2021 by the remnants of Hurricane Ida may be eligible for financial assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. People who are determined ineligible, or received an initial amount for cleaning or testing, have the right to appeal for additional assistance in some cases up to the actual cost of repair or replacement of furnaces, septic systems, bridges and wells.

More information: Additional Assistance for Repair or Replacement of Damaged Wells, Furnaces, Bridges and Septic Systems May Be Provided by FEMA upon Appeal (FEMA press release)

Disaster declarations

• FEMA press release (Sept. 11, 2021): “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Pennsylvania”

• FEMA’s information page for Hurricane Ida in Pennsylvania, “Pennsylvania Remnants Of Hurricane Ida (DR-4618-PA)” is at: fema.gov/disaster/4618.

• FEMA press release (Sept. 14, 2021): "Disaster Assistance Available to Qualified Pennsylvanians; FEMA Deploys DSA Teams to Six PA Counties"

• Storm Survivors May Be Eligible for Lodging Reimbursement (FEMA press release, Oct. 15, 2021)

Addition of Bedford and Northampton counties to federal disaster declaration: Gov. Wolf Announces Additional Counties Approved for Federal Disaster Assistance from Remnants of Ida (PA government press release, Sept. 24, 2021)

Advocates for Disaster Justice

(updated June 5, 2023)

Advocates for Disaster Justice was formerly known as the National Disaster Legal Aid Resource Center / DisasterLegalAid.org. Advocates for Disaster Jusice is a national collaboration and legal relief effort that took root in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Partners include Pro Bono Net, Lone Star Legal Aid, the American Bar Association Center for Pro Bono, and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA).

https://www.advocatesfordisasterjustice.org

Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center

Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center’s webpage

Fraud prevention

FEMA stated that after a disaster, scams and identity theft increase. “Criminals often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors,” FEMA stated in a Sept. 28, 2021 press release. “Scammers may target survivors when they are in a stressful state and are more susceptible to potential fraud.

“Scams can take different forms and be carried out in many ways, including phone calls, texts, mail or email, websites, or in person. Federal and Commonwealth emergency management officials urge residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity by calling the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866)-720-5721 or your local police department.”

• For specific examples of disaster-related scams: Protect Yourself from Fraud, Schemes and Scams (FEMA press release, Sept. 28, 2021)

Replace lost ID

Lost ID

• Replace your PA birth certificate: PA birth certificate replacement application, with fees waived for 90 days under the Disaster Declaration for a Natural Disaster. The 90-day timeframe started Aug. 31, 2021.

• Replace your Social Security card: If you lost your Social Security card in the storm, here’s how to apply for a replacement.

• Replace your Pennsylvania driver’s license: Visit PennDOT.

• Replace your PA photo ID. Visit PennDOT.

  ID Clinics in Exton

• Beginning Sept. 22, 2021, PA CareerLink of Chester County is hosting ID clinics two times a week in partnership with LASP and United Way of Chester County. Dates and times for these clinics are posted at our Events page: lasp.org/events. The location is: 479 Thomas Jones Way, Suite 500, Exton, PA 19380.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

The deadlines to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) were in October 2021.

• Oct. 20, 2021: Deadline to apply for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia and York counties

• Oct. 27, 2021: Deadline to apply for Bedford and Northampton counties

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Pennsylvanians In Six Counties Impacted By Remnants Of Hurricane Ida Can Apply For Temporary Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Deadline to apply: Oct. 20, 2021.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources

• FEMA's Hurricane Ida disaster page for Pennsylvania

• Designated areas: fema.gov/disaster/4618/designated-areas

Help from other U.S. agencies

• Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center

• “IRS: Tax relief now available to Ida victims in Pennsylvania; Oct. 15 deadline, other dates extended to Jan. 3” (Sept. 13, 2021)

Pennsylvania resources

• Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

• Pennsylvania’s Hurricane Ida page

• After the Disaster: Returning to Normal from ReadyPA.gov'

• Recommendations on Disposal of Flood Debris and Emergency Removal of Debris from Streams from the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection

Local resources

Bucks County resources

Bucks County is covered by the Hurricane Ida disaster declaration of Sept. 10, 2021. Bucks County also suffered severe flooding in July 2021.

Bucks County Government’s Hurricane Ida page: https://www.buckscounty.gov/1339/Hurricane-Ida-Updates

Bucks County 100-Year Flood Resource Guide from the Bucks County Dept. of Human Services

• Download the 8-page PDF

United Way of Bucks County’s form, “Coordinated Outreach to Bucks County Homeowners Impacted by July 2021 Flood,” can help identify needs such as fixing mold problems.

• Fill out the form at uwbucks.org/floodhelp/.

To replace items, utilize the United Way HELP Center. The Help Center also can provide gift cards,

Bucks County Opportunity Council can provide gift cards.

LASP help in Chester County

Legal Aid of Southeastern PA is available to provide technical and legal assistance to Chester County residents impacted by Hurricane Ida. LASP staff can offer guidance on the following:

• Landlord/tenant matters

• Situations where tenants do not have a written lease

• Researching renters’ and flood insurance

• Custody concerns for displaced families

• Replacement of lost documents, including birth certificates, Social Security cards, home deeds, and similar items

Those seeking assistance must contact LASP and open a file. Individuals can call the LASP office directly at 610-436-4510 for Hurricane Ida-related issues rather than going through the helpline, which will allow them to get help faster.

Chester County resources

• Chester County Government’s Hurricane Ida page: chesco.org/ida or https://www.chesco.org/4996/Ida

• Chester County Dept. of Emergency Services Storm Damage Survey

• Chester County Flood Recovery Guide | en espanol

Delaware County resources

• Delaware County Emergency Preparedness Guide (20-page PDF, 2020)

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Low-Interest Federal Loans for Disaster-Related Damages (Delaware County website, Sept. 14, 2021)

Montgomery County resources

• Montgomery County Government’s Hurricane Ida webpage: https://montcopa.org/3878/Hurricane-Ida

Preparing for disaster

10 Ways You can Resolve to be Ready (FEMA blog, Dec. 31, 2020)

You may be interested in:

Services

Apply Online

Domestic Violence

Housing

Public Benefits

Veterans

FAQs

Events

Español

Community Education

LASP Pro Bono: How attorneys can help with Hurricane Ida

News

Monthly e-newsletters

Donate | Ways to give