Current Happenings
A helpful resource in this recovery process might be our Negotiating the Networks guide. If you can't find what you are looking for give us a call.
Storm information and preparedness.
INFORMATION
For the latest weather information check the National Hurricane Center and/or Hurricanetrack.com.
PREPARE
To prepare for a hurricane and other disaster follow these links to Ready.gov and the Red Cross.
Database Resources
Help Line is updating our resources for a new database. If you want to be listed check our Inclusion/Exculsion criteria to determine your eligibilty for our database. Then read and follow the directions for the Agency, Program and Service Llistings.
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness, caused by mosquito bites. The Center for Disease & Prevention (CDC) provides a very helpful what to know sheet about West Nile Virus, click here to see the CDC's information. The Pennsylvania Department of Health also maintains a web site regarding West Nile Virus, containing lots of information regarding the virus in Pennsylvania. Click here for the the Department of Health web site.
NEPASAFEZONE.ORG
Click on the images below for information regarding NEPASAFEZONE.ORG.
Free Red Cross First Aid App
Red Cross, Preparedness, Health and Safety Services released FREE Red Cross First Aid 7 Hurrican APP's for iPhone and Android smart phone users. This simple effort could help to save a life!
The Hurricane and First Aid Apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Downloading the First Aid app is not a substitute for training. First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. You can visit redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.
Long Term Flood Recovery Committee's and Coalitions
In many areas of Pennsylvania, Long Term Recovery Committee's have been established. These committee's are often made up of various faith communities, secular and governmental agencies and individuals. In Luzerne & Wyoming Counties the Long Term Recovery Committee's are conducting surveys with home owners of flood damaged properties. These surveys will be used to determine what resources are still needed to assist people in their recovery efforts. This link will show examples of some the Long Term Recovery Committee's work reported by the local media. Earlier in the spring a group of students from University of North Carolina Greensboro traveled to NEPA for their spring break, to volunteer with flood relief efforts, here is a video they made of their trip. To volunteer your time to assist in the flood recovery efforts or to make a donation, contact the long term recovery committee in the following counties;
Luzerne County thru Help Line at 1-888-829-1341
Wyoming County thru the United Way at 570-836-1661
Susquehanna County thru the American Red Cross at 570-278-1427
Bradford Sullivan Long Term Recovery Committee thru the United Way at 570-247-5569.
Valley Relief Council covers a specific area limited to the Athens, Sayre and Waverly NY school districts, 570-886-2415.
Juvenile Court Information
As a result of some of the past issues involving the juvenile court in Luzerne 
County a number of resources have been developed to make negotating the juvenile system easier. The Guide to Juvenile Court is a resource that is can be helpful in any county, the Targeted Resouce Directory lists resources for Luzerne County. The PA Commission on Crime & Delinquincy has announced programs that have recieved money from the Mericle Fund/Programs to Benefit Children of Luzerne County. For a list of programs click on this link for Mericle Funds.
Family Service Association of Wyoming Valley's
Fall Newsletter
FSAWV is Help Line's parent organization, check out the latest agency news.
In this economic climate, sometimes you need some assistance. There is often help available but you need to know where to turn. You can call Help Line twenty four hours a day for the latest information on available programs, or download this Guide to Negotiating the Networks for assistance.
Public Alert System
Luzerne County has launched a new public alert system that will send text messages and e-mails to residents regarding emergencies and weather warnings.
In addition to severe weather updates, the system will be used to send information alerts such as missing children, Susquehanna River conditions, emergency conditions at the PPL Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Salem Township and emergencies related to Marcellus Shale gas wells throughout the county.
To sign up for the alert notification service, go to https://luzerne.alertpa.org
Dial 2-1-1
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember three-digit phone number that brings people and services together.
The essence of 2-1-1 is in its simplicity:
- 2-1-1 is for everyone and can be remembered by everyone.
- 2-1-1 is free and confidential.
- 2-1-1 makes the entire human services sector at every level of government work more efficiently.
- 2-1-1 has proven itself time after time as an invaluable resource in the aftermath of a disaster.
- 2-1-1 is the number to call to give help and to get help.
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Additional information can be found at 2-1-1.
Road Conditions
Local road conditions are always a concern, check the local PennDot District 4 web site or call 570-963-4044 for the latest road conditions.
For statewide conditions click on the PennDot Traveler Information site. Another site for information regarding Interstate 81, where you can sign up for traffic alerts is Focus 81.
The PA Turnpike conditions can be reached at 1-800-331-3414, then choosing Option #2, then Option #92. The latest web information for the Turnpike can be found here.
Latest recall information from the FDA and Consumer Product Safety Commission
Follow these links to the FDA and the CPSC which will provide you with the latest information regarding recalls and warnings.
AT&T Wireless offers tips on how to make the best use of cell phones
in case of natural disasters or other catastrophes.
- Program all emergency and family contact information into your phone.
- Have a communications plan. Designate someone outside the area as a central contact.
- Keep batteries charged at all times, keep available extra batteries or a car charger in cases of extended power outages.
- Keep your phone dry and out of the elements.
- Forward your home number to your cell phone. Forwarding is done from the telephone companies central office, so your calls can be forwarded even if your land line is out of order.
- Use text messaging, which often will go through more quickly than a voice call.
- Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum and limit calls to the most important ones.
Red Cross Blood Drives
Donor Site - Luzerne County NEPA Region Blood Services
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Donor Site - Lackawanna County 208 Meadow Ave., Scranton
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For latest blood donation information, check Red Cross NEPA Region Blood Services.