Residents urged to submit damage reports after Sunday’s rainfall

After another round of heavy rain hit the area Sunday, Washington County Emergency Management is urging residents, businesses and municipalities to report any new storm-related damage as quickly as possible.

The organization has coordinated with other local emergency management entities to make assessments of the impacts sustained from storms Sunday and Sept. 12.

WCEM urges residents and business owners to submit damage reports through the online resource or call or email the Washington County Department of Public Safety directly.

Anyone submitting a report should provide information about the extent of the damage and provide photographs if possible. Municipalities should also report any storm impacts and must turn in any Disaster or Emergency Declaration related to Sunday’s storm to Washington County’s Emergency Management team.

WCEM Deputy Director Dan Harvey stated that the county is seeing continual damages and severe weather outcomes, with more expected in the near future. Harvey urged county resident to continue to submit as much evidence as possible to allow the county to best serve their needs.

“We are continuing to see the impacts of severe weather across the county, and with more rain possible, it is critical that we receive information as quickly as possible,” Harvey said. “Every report helps us understand the scope of the damage and determine what resources and assistance may be needed.”

Submitting a damage report does not guarantee financial assistance or reimbursement from any entity, but providing specific information will help the Washington County Emergency Management and county municipal leaders develop a complete assessment of flood-related damage throughout the county to aid in the current storm aftermath and future severe storms.

Anyone with immediate needs can contact their local municipality and speak with their Local Emergency Management Coordinator. The LEM coordinator will work with Washington County Emergency Management to address the specific needs of reported cases. When filing a report online, the specified event should be Sept. 12 for the previous form and Sept. 20 for the new, separate form, and the cause of damages should be listed as flooding.

Residents can report flood-related damages to buildings or property online using the following URLs, the Sept. 12 reporting form: https://crisistrack.juvare. com/public/washingtonPA/ request.html and the Sept. 20 reporting form: https://crisistrack.juvare. com/public/washingtonPA/ request.html, or by calling or emailing the Washington County Department of Public Safety directly.

Anyone questions about the online reporting system or who experiences difficulties submitting a report should contact the Washington County Department of Public Safety via phone at 724-228-6911 or email at damage@washcopa.gov.