Flood Debris Disposal/Removal From Streams . . . . . 1

Tips for Safe Flood Cleanup Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Warning of Possible Well Water Contamination . . . . 5

Free Well Water Testing for Flood Victims . . . . . . . . 6

Report Environmental Emergencies/Hazards . . . . . . . 6

Cleaning Up Heating Oil Tank Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Flood May Cause Hazards At Mine Sites . . . . . . . . . . 8

Information from other agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

File Insurance Claims Immediately ………. 10

Deadlines Extended for Vehicle Licenses … 10

Questions About Immunizations …………. 11

Disaster Recovery Centers ......................... 11

Revenue Assists Flood Victims ………….. 12

Energy Program Deadline Extended........... 12

Attorney General Offers Consumer Advice. 13

Federal Flood Recovery Programs ………. 13

For More Information: http://www.dep.state.pa.us

(choose Flood Recovery Information)

Flood Debris Disposal/Removal From Streams

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working with local governments and emergency management officials to provide for safe and quick disposal of flood debris and to provide over the telephone approvals for debris removal from streams to speed flood cleanup efforts.

DEP encourages communities to dispose of flood debris at landfills and other waste processing and disposal facilities the department has already permitted to accept such waste. Capacity does exist in these facilities for the safe, long-term disposal of debris, which will help avoid environmental problems commonly associated with temporary disposal sites.

DEP will work with communities and waste facility operators to quickly approve these requests and waive unneeded requirements. For information on approved facilities and to request approvals, contact the Waste Management Manager in any of DEP's regional offices. DEP offers the following tips to help make debris disposal faster and safer:

Avoid mixing wastes - While most flood debris typically contains household items, trees and brush and demolition-type waste from buildings, it can also include harmful chemicals and other wastes that may have to be handled separately. Debris should be visually inspected to avoid mixing tanks, barrels and other containers with harmful industrial chemicals and potentially hazardous wastes. Household type cleaners, home pesticides, paints and chemicals can be safely disposed of in approved landfills and do not need to be separated from other debris.

Temporary staging areas - DEP will approve temporary staging areas for municipalities to facilitate the efficient collection and transportation of flood debris to licensed disposal facilities. Use common sense to select these facilities. If possible, they should have a hard surface, such as a parking lot to make placing debris, handling and final cleanup of debris easier.

Open burning - Open burning is an option for debris disposal; however, it may be the least desirable option for safely disposing of flood debris. DEP will consider requests to burn debris on a case-by- case basis, but only with the approval of the local government. If open burning is used, devices known as air curtain destroyers are recommended to provide for more complete combustion. Call the regional DEP office near you for specific advice.

Removal of debris from streams - Anyone planning to remove debris from streams should check in with DEP first. DEP can give approvals over the telephone for the emergency removal of debris blocking streams, especially where the debris may cause water backups and the potential for more flooding. For larger debris areas or if you need advice on how to remove debris, DEP can quickly provide staff at your site to assist in determining the best way to remove debris.

Debris removal should be done as carefully as possible to avoid changing the stream channel or banks. A change to the channel or stream banks could cause more flooding problems in the future, especially for downstream neighbors, as well as environmental damage. If stream dredging, stream bank or channel changes are proposed, emergency permit approval must be obtained from DEP.

Document your costs - Counties and local governments are reminded to document their costs for debris removal for later possible reimbursement by the federal government.

For information about the handling and disposal of flood debris, contact the DEP Regional Waste Management manager. For information about the emergency removal of debris from streams, contact Regional Water Quality manager at any of DEP's regional offices--

Northwest Regional Office -- Meadville

Regional Waste Management Manager -- Patrick Boyle -- 814-332-6848

Emergency Stream Debris Removal -- David Milhouse -- 814-332-6942

Counties: Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren

Southwest Regional Office -- Pittsburgh

Regional Waste Management Manager -- Tony Orlando -- 412-442-4120

Emergency Stream Debris Removal -- Tim Dreier -- 412-442-4028

Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland

Northcentral Regional Office -- Williamsport

Regional Waste Management Manager -- Richard Bittle -- 717-327-3653

Emergency Stream Debris Removal -- Dan Alters -- 717-327-3669

Counties: Bradford, Cameron, Clearfield, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union

Southcentral Regional Office -- Harrisburg

Regional Waste Management Manager -- Keith Kerns -- 717-705-4938

Emergency Stream Debris Removal -- Leon Oberdick -- 717-705-4795

Counties: Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry and York

Northeast Regional Office -- Wilkes-Barre

Regional Waste Management Manager -- William Tomayko -- 717-826-2516

Emergency Stream Debris Removal -- Kate Crowley -- 717-826-2525 or 2511

Counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming

Southeast Regional Office -- Conshohocken

Regional Waste Management Manager -- Ronald Furlan -- 610-832-6213

Emergency Stream Debris Removal -- Joseph Feola -- 610-832-6131

Counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia

<> For more flood recovery information - disinfecting private wells, re-entering and cleaning homes and businesses, cleaning up home heating oil, reporting spills and other environmental emergencies - contact any of DEP's regional offices.

Tips for Safe Flood Cleanup Practices

The Department of Environmental Protection advises residents whose homes have been affected by flood waters to take a number of precautions to assure a safe cleanup.

"The aftermath of a flood presents a number of potential dangers for injury and disease," DEP Secretary James M. Seif said. "It's important that people working on their homes after the flood use caution to make the long, difficult cleaning process a safe one."

Seif said residents should disinfect everything the flood water has touched. Residents should scrub down walls and any other smooth, hard surfaces that flood waters touched with a water and two percent chlorine bleach solution. Two to three capfuls of chlorine bleach to a bucket of water are recommended. When disinfecting surfaces, residents should wear boots and gloves.

DEP, county and state emergency management agencies and the American Red Cross have issued the following recommendations to homeowners who suffered flood damage:

Be careful entering a flood damaged building. Loose, wet ceiling plaster is heavy and dangerous - knock down hanging plaster before moving around. Watch for holes in the floor and loose boards with exposed nails.

Once inside, turn off the gas and electricity - wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and rubber gloves and turn off the main switch using a piece of rubber, plastic or dry wood while standing on a dry board to avoid electrocution.

Take care to protect open scratches or wounds from coming in contact with the contaminated water. Raw sewage and other bacteria in the flood waters can cause infections. Wounds should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water and a tetanus shot may be needed.

Discard any food that comes in contact with flood waters. Any beverage bottles with twist caps that were under the water should also be thrown out. Dishes and eating and cooking utensils should be thoroughly cleaned with the water and chlorine bleach solution before use.

Check refrigerated or frozen foods carefully if power outages occur. Any frozen foods that have partially or completely defrosted should be used immediately or discarded. Perishable foods kept in a refrigerator that has been off for more than four hours or has warmed to more than 45 degrees Fahrenheit should be discarded.

Bring drinking water to a rolling boil for at least a minute if you suspect it has been contaminated. Citizens are urged to boil water if it is unusually cloudy or has an unusual odor.

Keep all cleaning and disinfecting products out of the reach of children.

Never use a gas-powered pump or generator in an enclosed place; you could be overcome by carbon monoxide fumes from it.

Air-dry family treasures such as books, photographs or paintings if you can. If wet books, documents, photographs or textiles can't be air-dried within 48 hours, freeze them if you have a big enough freezer. If not, keep them as cool as possible until air-drying is possible.

Do not pump the basement until the water has gone down - pumping a water-filled basement could result in the walls collapsing.

Test plumbing and basement drains by pouring in a bucket of water. If the water does not run out, remove the clean-out plug from the trap and rake out the mud with a wire.

Don't rush to move in. Before a house is habitable, it must be dried and thoroughly cleaned (flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals as they travel).

Open doors and windows to ventilate and dry the inside, and wait until all floors, ceilings, walls and furnishings are dry and free of mold and mildew before trying to repair or salvage.

Do not attempt to repair floors until they are fully dry. Dry wood floors as soon as possible by opening all doors and windows - this should prevent shrinkage and deformation. Once dry, buckled floors may be drawn back into place with nails, and humps may be removed by planing and sanding.

Remove drawers and clean all mud and dirt from wooden furniture. Be sure to dry furniture slowly and indoors to prevent it from warping from the sun.

Basement odors, although unpleasant, are usually harmless. If ventilation does not remove them, sprinkle bleaching powder (chloride of lime) on the floor (this powder is a good disinfectant).

Washers, dryers and furnaces can usually be cleaned and tested by qualified electricians. Replacing expensive appliances after a flood is not usually necessary.

Mattresses, carpets and rugs should be discarded - in most cases, mattresses and rugs become so saturated with contaminated material that cleaning attempts are futile.

Warning of Possible Well Water Contamination

DEP recommends that people who receive water from a flooded private well should boil their water if they suspect it has been contaminated. Citizens are urged to boil water if it is unusually cloudy or has an unusual odor.

DEP also said people receiving water from public suppliers should pay close attention to those suppliers for any announcements concerning their system.

"We're asking citizens to exercise common sense," DEP Secretary James M. Seif said. "Contamination is always possible in flood situations as we have across the Commonwealth today. If you have any doubt, play it safe and boil your water."

The department also advised that flooded private wells should be properly disinfected before being put back into service. The procedure is not difficult or costly. For instructions on disinfecting wells, contact the nearest DEP office:

Southcentral: Harrisburg, 717-657-4585; Altoona, 814 946-7290; Chambersburg, 717 267 3364; Lancaster, 717 267-3364; Reading, 610 916- 0100; York, 717 771-4481.

Southeast: Conshohocken, 610-832-6000.

Southwest: Pittsburgh, 412 442-4000; Uniontown, 412 439-7431; Beaver Falls, 412 847-5270.

orthwest: Meadville, 814 332-6945; New Castle, 412 656-3160; Warren, 814 723-3273.

Northcentral: Williamsport, 717 327-3636; Sunbury, 717 286-8531.

Northeast: Wilkes-Barre, 717-826-2511; Bethlehem, 610 861-2070; Pottsville, 717 621-3118; Scranton, 717 963-4521; Stroudsburg, 717 424-3006.

Free Well Water Testing for Flood Victims

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary James M. Seif this week announced that, in the interest of public safety, the department will waive the $10 well-water testing fee for victims of recent flooding.

"Over half of all people in this state get their drinking water from groundwater, which in many areas could have been affected by flooding," Seif said. "Performing a simple test will let Pennsylvanians know if their private well-water supply is safe to drink."

DEP is asking anyone whose well-water system may have been affected by flood waters to first contact the DEP regional office in their area and request the fact sheet titled Disinfection of Home Wells and Springs. Citizens should follow the fact sheet directions and disinfect their wells before picking up a test kit from the regional office. The test kit contains a water bottle and instructions on obtaining a water sample, which is returned to the regional office and sent to a DEP laboratory for analysis.

The lab will perform a total coliform test for bacteria. If the test is negative, residents can resume using their well water for drinking and cooking. If the test is positive, residents are asked to contact the regional office for information on additional steps needed to disinfect the well.

Seif stressed that those served by public water systems do not need to test their drinking water supplies but should always follow any instructions from the supplier concerning water safety. He said DEP is working with public water suppliers to ensure the safety of those systems.

Copies of the fact sheet and more flood recovery information on re-entering and cleaning homes and businesses, cleaning up home heating oil, reporting spills and other environmental emergencies, contact any of DEP's regional offices.

Report Flood-Related Environmental Emergencies/Hazards

DEP's emergency response numbers are available 24 hours a day to help municipalities and individuals report spills or other environmental emergencies related to the blizzard and flooding.

"We want local governments and citizens to know how to reach DEP to report pollution or spills as they begin cleanup efforts from the flood," DEP Secretary James M. Seif said. "Our emergency response teams in each of our six regional offices can be an important resource for helping people deal with those types of problems."

The emergency response numbers are available for people to report environmental emergencies. In addition, the department can help municipalities with emergency permits for debris removal from waterways as well as dam inspections, public water supplies and sewage treatment plants. DEP can also provide advice on private well disinfection, home fuel spills and debris removal.

DEP's Emergency Response Numbers

Northeast Region (Wilkes-Barre) - 717 826-2511. The region serves Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Southeast Region (Conshohocken) - 610 832-6000. The region serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Northcentral Region (Williamsport) - 717 327-3636 (during business hours) and 717 327-3696 (after business hours). The region serves Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties.

Southcentral Region (Harrisburg) - 717 657-4585 (during business hours) and 800 812-3782 (after business hours). The region serves Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, and York counties.

Southwest Region (Pittsburgh) - 412 442-4000. The region serves Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

Northwest Region (Meadville) - 814 332-6945 (business hours) and 800 373-3398 (after business hours). The region serves Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, McKean, Venango and Warren counties.

Cleaning Up Heating Oil Tank Leaks

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is advising residents to take precautions when dealing with home heating fuel tanks that have been affected by flooding, heavy snow or ice.

"One of the most common environmental problems residents are encountering as they return to their homes or mop up after flooding is home heating fuel spills," DEP Secretary James M. Seif said. "DEP can offer advice on how to best handle a spill, as well as how to take precautionary measures to identify and prevent serious problems with a storage tank before they occur."

DEP offers the following tips to prevent problems with storage tanks:

Conduct a visual inspection of the tank. Check all structural supports and the tank itself for leaks, cracks or signs of rusting.

Check the fill line and feed line to the furnace for leaks. Any wet spots or odors may signal a problem.

Ask your oil company to check inside the tank for the presence of water if you think the tank was submerged by flood waters.

Once your furnace is operational, keep a close eye on oil usage so that a leak does not continue undetected.

If your storage tank is outdoors and underneath a roof with icicles either cover the tank area with plywood or safely knock the ice away.

If you detect a fuel spill has already occurred, you should do the following:

Notify emergency response officials or the closest DEP office if the spilled material is highly flammable, such as gasoline or kerosene.

Check with your local fire department or emergency management officials to determine if absorbent pads or other assistance is available.

Small spills can be absorbed with kitty litter or a similar material, which can be placed in the trash for disposal.

For assistance with a larger spill, consult a private contractor.

<> For additional assistance, contact the nearest DEP regional office.

Flood May Cause Hazards At Mine Sites

DEP cautions that the heavy precipitation and flood waters of the winter of 96 have increased natural hazards at mine sites.

"Recent weather conditions present a number of potential dangers that could result in serious injury," DEP Deputy Secretary for Mineral Resources Management Robert C. Dolence said. "It is important that people in Pennsylvania's coal regions be familiar with the signs of environmental and public health risks. If any are detected, they should inform the nearest DEP district mining office."

To report these conditions, or for more information, contact DEP's District Mining Offices, located throughout the Commonwealth. Please contact the local office that serves your county.

Ebensburg District Mining Office (Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Somerset counties). Contact: District Mining Manager J. Scott Horrell at 814 472-1900.

Greensburg District Mining Office (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland counties). Contact: District Mining Manager James Brahosky at 412 925-5500.

Hawk Run District Mining Office (Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Potter, Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga counties). Contact: District Mining Manager Michael Smith at 814 342-8200.

Knox District Mining Office (Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Warren, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango counties). Contact: District Mining Manager Javed Mirza at 814 797-1191.

Pottsville District Mining Office (Adams, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Columbia, Dauphin, Cumberland, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Monroe, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Mifflin, Montgomery, Pike, Montour, Northampton, Perry, Northumberland, Snyder, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Union, Wayne, Wyoming, York, Lancaster, Lackawanna counties). Contact: District Mining Manager Roger Hornberger at 717 621-3118.

Insurance Department Urges to File Weather-Related Claims Immediately

Insurance Commissioner Linda S. Kaiser recommends that both homeowners and business owners report property damage caused by the recent blizzard and floods to their insurance agent or company as soon as possible.

"Most policies require that claims be filed promptly so it's important to call your insurance agent as soon as you discover damage to your home or business," Kaiser said in a recent release. "Even in the event of a disaster emergency like the recent blizzard many Pennsylvanians experienced, damages should be reported immediately. Most insurance companies will work with you to settle your claim quickly and fairly."

Pennsylvania enacted the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, as well as regulations that contain specific guidelines insurance companies must follow when settling claims. For example, once an insurance company has been notified of a claim, it has 10 business days to furnish the necessary claim forms and instructions. Once properly completed forms have been submitted, the law requires the insurance company respond in writing within 15 business days advising you if your claim has been accepted or rejected. The insurer may request additional time, if the claim is complicated or questionable.

<> If individuals are dissatisfied with the handling of an insurance claim or feel that it was unfairly denied, they may call the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at one of its four regional consumer services offices in Harrisburg, 717 787-2317; Philadelphia, 215 560- 2630; Pittsburgh, 412 565-5020, and Erie, 814 871-4466.

PennDOT Extends License Deadlines Due to Weather

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is extending several licensing and vehicle deadlines to provide relief to citizens hindered by this month's blizzard and flooding.

"Providing this extra time offers a helping hand to our customers," State Transportation Secretary Bradley L. Mallory said Jan. 24. Deadlines are extended for:

Learner's Permits: Drivers whose permits expire between Jan. 6 and Feb. 29 will have them automatically extended 120 days.

Driver Licenses: Drivers whose licenses should have been renewed by Jan. 31, 1996, now have until Feb. 16, 1996.

State Auto Inspections: Drivers whose inspections expire on Jan. 31, 1996, now have until midnight on Feb. 16, 1996.

Auto Registration Renewals: PennDOT is extending to Feb. 16 the deadline for auto registration renewals for customers whose registration expires on Jan. 31, 1996.

<> For information, contact Gretchen Toner, PennDOT, at 717 787-0485.

Flood Cleanup Brings Immunizations Inquiries

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Peter J. Jannetta today advised that although outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are rare, individuals who have suffered puncture wounds or other skin breaks during flood cleanup efforts may be in need of a tetanus shot.

"People who received a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil or saliva during flood recovery should have a doctor determine whether a tetanus booster shot is needed if more than five years have elapsed since the last tetanus shot," Jannetta said.

As a general preventive measure, Jannetta recommends that adults receive a tetanus booster if more than 10 years have elapsed since their last tetanus immunization.

"While the rate of infectious diseases that were present before a flood may increase because of sanitation problems or overcrowding among displaced persons, outbreaks of diseases that were not present in the community before the flood are not usually a problem," Jannetta said.

Jannetta said Health Department staff today will begin assisting residents at the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) that have been established in 15 counties. The centers offer "one-stop shopping" for residents needing state or federal assistance in conjunction with the flooding and ongoing cleanup.

"We'll have Health Department people who live in those counties staffing the local centers," Jannetta said. "Our people know their own backyards and will help citizens with any health-related requests or questions. "Gov. Ridge has charged us to cut through any red tape to help flood victims," Jannetta said.

CONTACT: Bruce Reimer of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 717-787-1783.

Disaster Recovery Center locations are:

Allegheny County: Monroeville Fire Company #6, 600 Garden City Drive, Monroeville Bedford County: 101 West Main Street (former NAPA building), Everett

Blair County: Altoona Area Incubator Building (Old railroad training facility) Sixth Avenue and 45th Street, Altoona

Bucks County: Bucks County Courthouse (Community Room), Doylestown

Clearfield County: Columbia VFD, 140 Curtin Street, Osceola Mills

Dauphin County: 28th Division Headquarters (Armory), 14th and Calder, Harrisburg Lackawanna County: NAT West Building, Lackawanna & Wyoming Streets, Scranton Luzerne County: Valley Crest Nursing Home, Route 115, Plains Township

Lycoming County: Store Office Complex, 1948 East Third Street, Williamsport (Loyalsock Township)

McKean County: Eldred Township VFD, Windfall Road, Eldred

Mifflin County: Lumina Center, Third Street, Lewistown

Northumberland County: Sunbury Armory, off Catawissa Avenue (at Mile Hill, RR 1), Sunbury

Washington County: Roscoe VFD, 409 Furlong Avenue, Roscoe

Westmoreland County: HazMat Team Building, 108 Vannear Street, Greensburg

Wyoming County: Agricultural Building, Route 92 South, Tunkhannock Township

Additional information and hours of operation for the Disaster Relief Centers are available by contacting PEMA at 717-783-7379.

Department Of Revenue Provides Assistance To Flood Victims

Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Robert A. Judge, Sr. today announced that the department is available to assist taxpayers at the 15 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located throughout the state.

"With this being the beginning of the tax season, many businesses and individuals will be in need of records which may have been lost during the flooding," Judge said.

Revenue personnel will be able to assist taxpayers who may need to file deadline extensions or who have lost corporate records, past tax returns, Sales and Use Tax licenses, coupon books, as well as various other forms.

DRCs are located in the following counties: Allegheny, Bedford, Blair, Bucks, Clearfield, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mifflin, Northumberland, Washington, Westmoreland and Wyoming. The department also has 23 district offices located throughout the Commonwealth and are available for assistance.

CONTACT: Deb Snyder of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, 717-787-6960.

State Extends Deadline For Low-Income Energy Program (Liheap)

Public Welfare Secretary Feather O. Houstoun has announced that the state has extended the deadline for the cash grant portion of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until Wednesday, Jan. 31. Applications for the cash program, originally slated to end on Friday, Jan. 26, due to limited federal funding, will be accepted at county welfare offices until the close of business on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

While the cash assistance program will end on Jan. 31, the LIHEAP crisis program will remain in operation until March 15. Cash benefits are based on household income, family size, heating source and region of the state and, in most cases, are paid directly to utility companies. Crisis grants are available to households that are without heat and cover the cost of resolving the crisis. A family of four must have an annual income at or below $16,665 to qualify.

CONTACT: Mary Ellen Fritz of the Department of Welfare, 717 787-4592.

Attorney General's Office Joins Flood Relief Efforts

Pennsylvania flood victims will have the opportunity to get advice and answers about consumer concerns as the Office of Attorney General joins other federal, state and charitable agencies at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Centers beginning today.

Counties included in the relief operations include Allegheny, Bedford, Blair, Bucks, Clearfield, Centre, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Northumberland, Washington, Westmoreland and Wyoming.

Attorney General Tom Corbett announced that staff from the Bureau of Consumer Protection and volunteers will be on hand to assist consumers with flood-related issues including:

-- Home repair schemes.

-- Fictitious fund raising for flood victims.

-- Job scams.

-- Avoiding flood damaged vehicles.

-- Avoiding credit problems.

Two publications, "Consumer Tips for Flood Victims" and the "Consumer Protection Booklet," will be available for visitors to the relief centers. In addition, consumers can complete official complaint forms for flood-related and other concerns. Consumers can call the Bureau of Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 for more information about filing complaints.

CONTACT: Ann Ivory, Public Information Specialist, Office of Attorney General, 717-787-5211, or home, 717-236-0943

Information About Federal Flood Recovery Programs

Information about Federal flood recovery programs and the nearest Flood Disaster Assistance Center is available by calling 1-800-462-9029 or drop by the Federal Emergency Management Agency World Wide Web site at: http://www.fema.gov/DIZAS/ws96.htm