Road to Recovery

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On Thursday, September 2, areas of Delaware were significantly flooded from Tropical Depression Ida.

The State of Delaware and the City of Wilmington brought more than 20 agencies and organization together at a disaster recovery center on Tuesday, September 7, located at The Warehouse in Wilmington. More than 200 households were connected with recovery resources.

Multiple local, state, and nonprofit partners are working together to support residents and communities impacted by flooding. Learn more about the resources available for those who were affected by the storm and ways to help.

Important Reminders to Residents

• Document all damage from the storm.
• Contact your insurance provider.
• Do not touch electrical wiring.
• Do not walk in flood water.

If you need Assistance

Federal Assistance Available for New Castle County Small Businesses

The SBA has also opened a Business Recovery Center in Philadelphia to provide businesses with one-on-one assistance in submitting an economic injury loan application if they were impacted by Hurricane Ida. The recovery center is located at the Falls of the Schuylkill Library at 3501 Midvale Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19129. Hours for the center are noon to 8 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. The Business Recovery Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Customer Service Representatives will be available at the center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All visitors to the recovery center are encouraged to wear a face mask.

Cleanup Assistance

Crisis Cleanup Hotline – 1-844-965-1386 (toll free)

Residents needing cleanup assistance can get connected with local volunteer groups that may assist with:

• Cutting and removing fallen trees
• Removing drywall, flooring and appliances
• Tarping roofs
• Mold mitigation

The Crisis Cleanup Hotline will remain open through October 1, 2021.

The City of Wilmington’s Emergency Management Office is coordinating with Team Rubicon, a national disaster response organization made up of volunteer military veterans. For two weeks, teams of about 15-20 trained volunteers from across the U.S. will:

• Canvass sections of the City of Wilmington affected by flooding to help assess and meet the most serious needs;
• Conduct outreach with representatives from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the City, focusing on homeowners who lack insurance, are underinsured, or simply unable to perform the work themselves; and
• Provide services such as mucking out, tarping, moisture control, mold mitigation, and more, once the initial assessment is complete.

To request cleanup assistance from Team Rubicon, call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 1-844-965-1386.

Flood Assistance Program – 1-844-413-0038 (toll free)

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) launched a Flood Assistance Program to provide resources for residents who need help cleaning up. This program is administered by the Milford Housing Development Corporation. Services may include:

• Mucking
• Removal of damaged drywall
• Moisture control of affected areas
• Minor structural repairs
• Insurance deductible assistance

Eligibility for this program:

Housing

• For emergency shelter, call the Social Services Call Center: 302-571-4900.
• Delaware residents displaced by Hurricane Ida may also search for available housing listings using www.DelawareHousingSearch.org.

Cleaning Up Safely

• The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the City of Wilmington handle roadway debris.
• Do not walk-through standing flood water. It can be contaminated and contain debris.
• Before cleaning up:
  • Contact your insurance company
  • Carefully document and photograph damages for insurance and assistance purposes.
• Safety:
  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, and boots during clean up.
  • Use proper face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or debris.
  • People with asthma or another respiratory condition, those who are immunocompromised, and children should not enter buildings with mold growth.
  • Only use generators or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors and away from windows to prevent exhaust from entering the house or building.

Help with Recovery Efforts

Volunteer

• The Delaware Volunteer Agencies Active in Disasters (VOAD) are activated. DEVOAD brings together organizations that work together to help people of Delaware affected by disasters.
• Volunteers are needed Saturday, October 2
  • WHEN: 10:00 a.m.
  • WHERE: East 13th Street & North Heald Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
  • DETAILS: Assist with ongoing clean-up efforts in Wilmington, including: removing items from residences affected by flooding and carrying items to the curb; power washing; other light cleaning.
  • What to wear: Work boots or closed-toed shoes; long pants; protective equipment will be provided, including: N-95 respirators, work gloves and Tyvek suits.
  • Check the DE VOAD Facebook page ahead of each event for updates and cancellations. If you have questions, contact delawarevoad@gmail.com.
• For other volunteer opportunities, contact the Delaware Office of Volunteerism: volunteer.delaware.gov.

Donations

United Way of Delaware

The United Way of Delaware created the Hurricane Ida Relief Fund, which will support Delaware, and Salem County, NJ’s immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding and community grants to partner organizations providing direct services to assist with disaster recovery.

The WRK Group (The Teen Warehouse, REACH Riverside and Kingswood Community Center)

The WRK Group will be collecting and distributing food and other supplies to the community. Food and other donations will take place Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Saturday, September 18.

The group is no longer accepting clothing donations, though monetary donations are still being accepted. All donations made to the WRK group during this time will be used to support flood recovery efforts.

Below is a list of items to consider donating.

The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross continues to work in states impacted by Hurricane Ida.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army helps with recovery efforts and provides meals and essentials to neighbors in need.

Header photo by: Spc. Alyssa Lisenbe, Delaware Army National Guard. Photo Courtesy of the Delaware National Guard.

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Related Topics: relief