HARRISBURG, Pa. — Storm cleanup assistance is now available for residents whose property was damaged or impacted by Tropical Storm Debby.
Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PAVOAD) and Crisis Cleanup have set up a call center to streamline recovery efforts. The call center aims to ensure efficient coordination and effective use of resources to aid those affected by the storm.
By calling 844-965-1386, those impacted by storm damage can register their need for cleanup with volunteers from various local, regional and statewide PAVOAD organizations, including community and faith-based groups. The volunteers will assist with muck-out operations, tree removal and debris cleanup.
City residents can also contact Public Works Director Dave West directly at DWest@harrisburgpa.gov. Harrisburg Public Works will pick up any debris left curbside. The City will also come onto residents' properties with their written consent in an email sent to Director West.
According to City of Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline, 111 buildings suffered storm damage between Derry Street and the Penbrook Borough line, the result of an EF1 tornado that touched down in the city Friday morning.
The tornado reached wind speeds of 105 miles per hour, and at its widest, stretched 300 yards. It started by Gibson Street around 4:33 a.m. and traveled nearly 3.5 miles north, the National Weather Service said.
The City of Harrisburg is actively seeking state and federal emergency assistance. Following a preliminary assessment of the damage, there was more than $150,000 in costs associated with debris removal, more than $100,000 in road repairs, and more than $167,000 in utility issues and destroyed street lights.
These figures do not include home damages, which are up to the individual homeowners to assess with their insurance companies.
