Flooding in Norristown, along the Schuylkill River (DEP Photo)

Heavy rains in the central and eastern parts of Pennsylvania this week caused severe, localized flooding and nine deaths prompting Gov. Rendell to declare a state disaster emergency in 46 counties and to ask for federal disaster relief in 34 counties.

The counties covered by the request for federal aid included: Adams, Armstrong, Berks, Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Indiana, Jefferson, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming and York counties.

President Bush declared eight counties federal disaster areas so far: Bradford, Bucks, Columbia, Luzerne, Northampton, Northumberland, Susquehanna and Wyoming.

In addition, Bedford, Blair, Centre, Clinton, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Snyder and Union counties were declared state disaster areas.

Nearly 1,000 rescues were performed by National Guard and State Police during the initial response to the flooding that quickly trapped many victims in small towns and developments throughout the affected areas.

Dam safety inspectors with the Department of Environmental Protection confirmed one dam failure in Luzerne County – Mountain Springs #2 Dam, which was a low-hazard dam and does not present a threat to any downstream communities.

In order to help reduce the cost of flood debris disposal, DEP is temporarily waiving the $6.25 per ton fees on waste going to landfills and incinerators. DEP is also temporarily waiving the waste truck registration requirements as well for vehicles hauling flood debris.

For the five-county Philadelphia area, DEP is offering to pump and remove heating oil tanks as well as compressed gas cylinders damaged during flooding. Click Here for Details.

Flood Recovery Advice

DEP has a variety of fact sheets available for residents affected by flood waters on a special Flood Recovery webpage.

Information is available on disinfecting private wells, debris disposal, recovering electric motors and heating equipment and safe flood cleanup.

Warning on Flood-Related Scams

Attorney General Tom Corbett this week warned consumers to be on the lookout for possible flood-related scams including unscrupulous contractors or phony charity appeals that claim to assist victims and families in the hardest hit areas.

Corbett offered the following tips and advice to consumers seeking home repair work after the recent flooding:

· Beware of repair personnel who claim to be certified or affiliated with any state or federal emergency program;

· Do not allow a contractor, utility company or "inspector" into your home without confirming their identity;

· Contact your homeowners' insurance agent to inspect your property to determine if the damage is covered by your existing policy;

· Get several estimates for the same work to avoid possible price gouging;

· Do not sign a contract for repairs until you and your insurance company have agreed on the exact costs;

· Never agree to repairs until you have a written contract stating the type and quality of work to be done, the costs for labor and supplies and a start and completion date for the project;.

· Do not give a contractor a large down payment. In many instances, a down payment of one-third the total cost may be appropriate, with future payments due as the work progresses;

· Check county, city or local licensing rules or requirements for various contractors including plumbers or electricians;

· Never hire a contractor who doesn't have a local business, phone number or address, or who refuses to provide references. Check customer satisfaction with the Better Business Bureau;

· Inquire about the contents of "disaster relief kits" that are available for sale; and

· Report any suspicious activity to the police or the Attorney General's Office.

Flood victims seeking additional information are asked to call the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555. Complaint forms are available by calling the number or online.

Drought Watch Lifted

The Department of Environmental Protection this week lifted the drought watch the agency imposed in April due to the heavy rains throughout the Commonwealth over the last few weeks.

NewsClips: Flood Death Toll At 9

When You Live By the River, Floods Are Part of Life

Are Floods Getting Worse?

After Flooding, Trying to Find Normal

Floods and Fear

Flooding in Eastern PA Worse

Attention Turns to Delaware After Susquehanna Dodges Bullet

Those Along Delaware River Getting Used to Flooding, Cleanup

Quick Look at the Impact of Flooding Throughout PA

Disaster Scenes Play Out Across Region

Air Crews Lift Close to 1,000 People from Peril

River Towns Face Wrath of Nature

Too Soon to Declare Drought Over, State Says

7/2/2006