Aid center
FEMA will open a disaster recovery center today at CCAC's North Side campus. The center will be a clearinghouse for information on every available flood relief program, including FEMA's grant and loan programs. Before going to the center, people should call FEMA's registration hotline at (800) 621-3362.
Oakdale
Officials from the Oakdale area will conduct a public meeting about flood-related damage and assistance at 7 p.m. today at Pittsburgh Technical Institute on McKee Road, Gallery Level 5. The Oakdale United Presbyterian Church, also on Clinton Avenue, continues to operate as a rescue center, with lunch and dinner available for displaced residents every day. For details on flood assistance in Oakdale call (412) 719-6969 or 417-5155.
Loans and Grants
PNC Bank is offering assistance to individuals and small businesses most impacted by the recent flooding with $150 million in low interest loans; $250,000 in cash assistance grants -- up to $500 per qualified borrower; and is donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross, with additional donations from the community accepted at all PNC branches. Information is available at all PNC branches or by calling (877) 225-5762.
Closed schools
Carlynton School District will resume today on a two-hour delay. The Newport Business Institute in Lower Burrell also will reopen today, but students are asked to enter through the back door. All Saints School in Etna remains closed.
Closed roads
Closed state owned roads in Allegheny County
Bell Acres: Little Sewickley Creek Road
Collier: Boyds Run Road; Dorrington Road Bridge; Gregg Station Bridge; Noblestown Road at Walker's Mill Road; Noblestown Road, one lane at Nike Site Road
Crescent: Bobtown Road
Etna: Bridge Street from 62nd Street Bridge on-ramp to railroad track at Sharpsburg municipal line; Grant Avenue from Kittanning to Bridge streets. Southbound traffic on Route 8 will be detoured from Butler Street to the 62nd Street Bridge.
Hampton: Wildwood Road Bridge
McKeesport: Route 148 (Walnut Street) at 12th Street
North Fayette: Oakdale Road
Ohio Township: Mt. Nebo Road
Shaler: Little Pine Creek between Wetzel Road and Marzolf Road Extension
South Fayette: Millers Run Road between Presto-Sygan Road and Wabash Avenue
How to help
Money, cleaning supplies, food and other items for flood victims and emergency workers are being accepted at locations throughout the county.
Etna: Money may be sent to the Etna Flood Relief Fund, c/o St. Vincent DePaul Society at All Saints Church, 19 Wilson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Oakmont: St. Irenaeus Church at (412) 828-9846
Catholic Charities' Development Office: (412) 456-6969 or www.ccpgh.org
Salvation Army: Financial contributions may be given by calling (800) 725-2769. Checks may be sent to The Salvation Army, 424 Third Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. "Hurricane Relief" or "Flood Relief" should be indicated on the checks. Officials said no tangible or in-kind items are being accepted.
Airport Area: The Pittsburgh Airport Chamber Enterprise Foundation, an arm of the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, is accepting monetary donations. Contributions should be sent to the Foundation at 850 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Twp., PA 15108. "Relief" should be noted on the check. All donations will go to relief efforts, Chamber President Sally Haas said.
Legal aid
Members of the Allegheny County Bar Association will provide free 30-minute legal consultations to flood victims. Lawyers will answer questions on insurance and real estate issues. To schedule a consultation, call (412) 261-5555 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Important numbers
Allegheny County Information Line: (412) 423-0202
Federal Emergency Management Agency: (800) 621-FEMA or (800) 462-7585
American Red Cross: Beaver County, (800) 999-2566; Butler County, (724) 283-2810; Southwestern Pennsylvania, (888) 217-9599; Washington County, (724) 222-4750.
State Police: Allegheny County, (412) 787-2000; Beaver County, (724) 773-7400; Butler County, (724) 284-8100; Lawrence County, (724) 598-2211; Washington County, (724) 223-5200.
