Article Summary –
Tropical Storm Debby caused significant destruction in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, resulting in 600 damaged homes, with 400 experiencing severe water damage, and highlighted the issue of low flood insurance coverage among the low-income residents affected. To address the rising costs of flood insurance and lack of coverage, Senator Bob Casey introduced the Fair Flood Protection Act to make insurance more affordable by considering income levels, with FEMA and PEMA providing some financial assistance to storm survivors. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including rebuilding efforts, providing essential resources like hot water tanks, and preparing for future storms, with concerns that the community might be forgotten amid other disasters in the U.S.
Tioga County Commissioner Shane Nickerson recalls the haunting image of a man, shovel in hand, gazing at his flood-destroyed home post-Tropical Storm Debby.
“He just stood there, staring at his house, wondering: Where do I start? What do I do?” Nickerson shared.
This echoes the question many posed after Hurricane Debby’s remnants hit north-central Pennsylvania on August 9, tragically killing a man during rescue efforts. The area witnessed severe flooding. “Whole neighborhoods were wiped out, especially in poorer areas,” Nickerson said.
“We had 4.5 inches of rain within hours,” Nickerson continued. “The water hit quickly and retreated just as fast, leaving cars misplaced and causing devastation in minutes. It was life-altering.”
Volunteers united post-storm, but the rebuilding of approximately 600 damaged homes, with at least 400 suffering significant first-floor water damage, required more than just community effort. Nickerson mentioned that around 30 homes were completely destroyed. Many affected families in Westfield lacked flood insurance, adding to their financial strain.
Nickerson, a former mayor and local roofer, noted, “Only about 5% had flood insurance due to its high cost.” According to PEMA, only 230 flood insurance policies exist in Tioga County, covering 1.2% of homes.
With climate change escalating flooding in Pennsylvania, the scarcity of flood insurance is a major concern. A state report revealed only 50,000 of 3.1 million homes in Pennsylvania are insured against floods.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania addressed this in September by introducing the Fair Flood Protection Act aimed at making flood insurance affordable by implementing a sliding scale based on income.
Casey’s legislation also seeks to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program for a decade. President Biden signed a temporary extension until December 20.
Casey emphasized, “Families in Pennsylvania, including my home county of Lackawanna, are pressured by rising flood insurance costs.” His statement highlighted the need to cap these costs for homeowners’ peace of mind.
Nickerson believes the legislation will make flood insurance accessible for rural and low-income communities. “This will allow many to finally afford flood insurance,” he said.
Flood insurance coverage is low nationwide, with only 4% of American homeowners insured. Many mistakenly assume standard home insurance covers floods, per Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys.
Federal and state aid has provided some relief in Tioga County. Governor Josh Shapiro’s disaster emergency proclamation for 21 counties, including Tioga, expedited aid efforts. In September, Biden’s disaster declaration enabled residents to apply for FEMA assistance.
PEMA and FEMA have assisted 416 survivors in Tioga County, allocating $2.7 million for housing and $900,000 for other needs, according to PEMA Deputy Director Jeff Jumper.
Despite aid, challenges remain. Some families live on their second floor due to uninhabitable conditions below, others stay with relatives, and some have left the area altogether. The Lions Club, however, donated 60 water heaters to assist those without. Community members raised $300,000 through the Tioga County Partnership for Community Health to aid those overlooked.
But the threat of future storms looms. “Another storm could undo months of recovery,” Nickerson warned, noting the potential impact of blocked waterways that need clearing. He hopes federal attention remains on Tioga County despite national storm challenges.
Tioga County residents have until November 12 to apply for FEMA assistance. For more details, call 1-800-621-3362 or visit FEMA’s website. Help is available at FEMA’s disaster recovery center at Valley Christian Church, 146 Maple St., Westfield.
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