Organization Works Closely with Partner Agencies to Meet Immediate Needs
DUBOIS – Since Thursday’s storms resulted in heavy rain and major flooding in Clearfield and Jefferson counties, the American Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania has been on-the-ground, providing assistance to affected residents. The organization plans to be on-the-ground for days to come, after damage assessment teams identified a high number of homes impacted by the recent flooding.
“We will be working with several community agencies and organizations to help ensure affected residents receive assistance to get back onto their feet,” said Jason Bange, executive director of the local Red Cross. “In the coming days, we will be working one-on-one with individuals to meet their immediate, disaster-caused needs.”
The organization, in partnership with other community agencies, will continue its relief operation with a service delivery site, mobile and fixed distribution of relief supplies and food, as well as clean up assistance.
Service Delivery Site
The local Red Cross will operate a multi-agency service delivery site at the following location. Affected residents are encouraged to stop by the site to meet with Red Cross caseworkers who will assess and provide assistance for their disaster-caused needs.
- Reynoldsville Fire Department: 411 Jackson St. in Reynoldsville; Monday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Saturday, the organization met with nearly 20 other community representatives and partner agencies to discuss working together to address the needs of the affected communities in Jefferson and Clearfield counties.
Food for Affected Families
Tri County Church will be providing gift cards for Martin’s Foods, which will be distributed by the Salvation Army to affected families in immediate need for food assistance. Families who wish to inquire about these cards should contact the Salvation Army at 814-371-5320.
Additionally, DuBois Alliance Church, in conjunction with Martin’s Foods, will facilitate a bulk distribution of food to affected families on Tuesday afternoon at the church. The church is also seeking donations of canned goods and other items from the local community. Donations should be made between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., before Tuesday’s distribution event, which will be held at 3 p.m. at the church, 1004 S. Main St. in DuBois.
Clothing Assistance
The Salvation Army will be accepting clothing donations starting Monday and will be available to provide clothing donations at that time as well. Anyone with questions regarding clothing donations should contact 814-371-5320.
Clean-Up Assistance
DuBois First United Methodist Church, with Western Pennsylvania United Methodist Church Disaster Response Ministry, is providing bulk distribution of clean-up supplies and coordination of physical labor for those families who need clean-up assistance. Families in need of this assistance should call 814-371-5150.
Emotional Support
Community Connections of Clearfield and Jefferson counties will be available for anyone in need of support for mental or development disabilities. Individuals in need of this assistance can contact the agency at 814-371-5100 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services will be available for those who have been affected by flooding and need emotional support. They can also assist with the supply of items including clothing, diapers, formula, baby food and other limited financial support. Families in need of this assistance should call 814-371-4717.
Red Cross Response to Date:
Red Cross emergency response vehicles will continue to canvas affected communities in Clearfield and Jefferson counties, specifically Sykesville, DuBois, Treasure Lake and Reynoldsville, providing clean-up kits, meals, snacks and water.
To date, the organization has:
- Served 63 hot meals as well as additional water bottles and snacks
- Distributed 232 cleanup kits and 14 comfort kits
- Mobilized three emergency response vehicles and more than 70 Red Cross disaster workers
- Provided more than 200 overnight stays with Red Cross operated and supported shelters
Flood Recovery Tips
- Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
- Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage.
- If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.
- If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
- Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.
Additional flood safety tips can be found on RedCross.org.
How to Help
The local Red Cross needs your support for this ongoing response operation and is asking that community members consider making a donation.
Donations to the local Red Cross will help those affected by the flooding as well as other disasters in the local community. To make a donation, visit RedCross.org/PA/DuBois or mail it in to the local chapter, 109 N. Brady St. in DuBois.
How to Receive Help
For more information, or to request assistance from the Red Cross, residents can stop by the Red Cross Service Center or call 814-371-2750.