The Department of Health is holding a tetanus vaccination clinic in flood-affected areas of Lycoming County on November 5 at the Plunketts Creek Township Building, 179 Dunwoody Rd., Williamsport, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Department also had similar sessions in Centre County.

The department has already conducted clinics in Lycoming and Sullivan counties for residents and first responders who came into contact with debris during recent flash flooding.

Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures. Tetanus is contracted through a wound which comes in contact with soil or debris contaminated with the tetanus bacteria. It is not transmitted from person to person. Tetanus can also occur following drug injection using contaminated needles, equipment, or drugs.

A tetanus booster is recommended for anyone who has not had a tetanus shot in the past ten years. A booster dose may also be recommended if an individual is wounded and has not had a tetanus shot in the past five years. 

Any Pennsylvanians who may have come into contact with flood debris in other counties can call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to learn about available tetanus shots in their communities.

For more information, read the Dept. of Health’s Tetanus Fact Sheet.

Help With Insurance

Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller Wednesday announced her department will provide residents impacted by the October 20 and 21 flooding in the region with important information on filing flood insurance claims and avoiding home repair scams.

“It’s important for homeowners with flood insurance to know what information and documentation they need to file a claim,” Commissioner Miller said. 

She said homeowners should take photos or video of damage, and keep a record of what was damaged.  She also said residents should document each phone call or other conversation with their insurer, including the name and title of the person with whom they spoke, and the date of the conversation.

“Homeowners should only make those repairs necessary for them to live in their home, until getting approval from their insurer for the cost of permanent repairs,” Commissioner Miller said.

She also cautioned residents to beware of scammers who will claim to represent them to their insurer to get a better deal, and to watch out for unscrupulous home repair contractors.

“Policyholders can employ individuals called public adjusters to assist with the claims process, but these people must be licensed by the Insurance Department.  Always ask for the Insurance Department license number from anyone claiming to be a public adjuster,” Commissioner Miller said.

 She added that while most home repair contractors are honest, homeowners should check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau, where all contractors who do more than $5,000 of business per year in Pennsylvania must register.

Consumers with questions or complaints can visit the Department of Insurance’s Consumer Services Bureau on the department website, or call 1-877-881-6388.

NewsClip:

Free Tetanus Shots In Wake Of Lycoming, Sullivan Flash Floods

11/7/2016