Flood Information
The last day for property owners to file for FEMA assistance is November 14th.
This is an unprecedented flooding event affecting all areas of the Township and a historic flooding event in Pennsylvania. The Swatara Creek has never flooded to this level. The creek rose to about 27 feet. The flood stage is 7 feet.
Timely updates are available on the Township’s website, www.derrytownship.org and via Twitter feed @DerryTownshipPD and via Facebook. Facebook users can find our page by searching “Derry Township Police Department.”
Residents with emergencies can call 911 to the Derry Township Police Department or 534-2202.
If you do not find the information that you are seeking on this site, please contact the township at 533-2057, option 5.
Three Cats Were Found After the Flood
Three cats were found and are being kept in animal shelters until the owners can be located.
If you have lost a cat that matches the following descriptions, please contact the Township at 533-2057, option 5.
Young female, long black fur
Male, orange and white, found on Galway Court
Young female, semi-long gray hair
Dear Residents...A letter from the Board of Supervisors
FEMA ESTABLISHES A DAUPHIN COUNTY DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) has been established for individuals and business owners to meet with FEMA representatives to provide assistance in the federal application process. The Center is located at The Harrisburg Mall Upper Level (near Kay Jewelers and The Game Stop), Swatara Twp., Dauphin County. Effective September 14, 2011 at 1:00 pm FEMA representatives will be on hand at the DRC to assist individuals and businesses wishing to file relief applications. The DRC will be open from 10 a.m.-7p.m. daily thereafter until further notice. Individuals and business owners may also begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov, by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Each DRC will have FEMA Individual Assistance Specialists on hand to help residents with their claims, FEMA Mitigation Specialists to help those who are cleaning up to ensure they are doing so correctly and completely, and representatives from the Small Business Administration who provide loans to small businesses but also to low income homeowners and renters who qualify.
**Important Residents must make contact with FEMA to apply for assistance. The damage assessment forms submitted by the Township were to qualify the county for the disaster declaration.
President Declares Disaster For Pennsylvania
Federal aid has been made available to residents and business owners in Dauphin County in the form of grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for property losses, and other programs for recovery.
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can apply for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585. The numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week.
www.PAHousingSearch.com, for safe, affordable housing.
Flood Damage
Residents should photograph and document losses and save receipts from cleanup and repairs. Trash Collection and Flood Damaged Items York Waste Disposal will operate on a normal schedule this week. They will have an additional truck on all routes beginning Wednesday, September 14 through Tuesday, September 20th to collect flood-damaged items. The truck may be running behind due to the vast amount of debris to be collected. Clean-Up Assistance Residents that are in need of assistance with flood clean-up can call the Township, 522-2057, opt. 5, and we will report their request to Dauphin County Human Services. They are coordinating volunteer assistance. Damage Assessment Forms Thank you Derry Township residents for responding so quickly. The Township of Derry has the necessary number of damage assessments to help the county qualify for federal disaster relief funds. The Dauphin County will submit county-wide information to PEMA for inclusion in the Governor's request to the President for a major disaster declaration for Pennsylvania.
If, and when, the President grants this request, federal funds will be made available to all Derry Township residents who suffered flood damage. It is not necessary for residents to have submitted a damage assessment form in order to qualify for federal funds. Should the declaration be granted, Derry Township will post instructions and contact information for applying for federal funds on our website, Facebook, and Twitter. Action by the President should occur within the next seven days.
Residents should document their damage to support their claims to both their insurance company and for federal disaster funds.
For more specific information, visit www.pema.state.pa.us/
Resources
Post Flooding Safety Information
Disposal of Hazardous Materials Dauphin County EMA
Residents with household hazardous waste should call 1-800-780-6288, to arrange a pick-up.
Dauphin County Builds Volunteer Clean-Up Crews
The Dauphin County Commissioners are asking residents who would like to volunteer with flood clean-up to call the county Human Services Department at 717-780-6288 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. over the next two weeks. Residents who live above Peter's Mountain should call the Northern Dauphin County Human Services Center at 717-827-4640. Click here for the County press release.
Attorney General Kelly Warns Residents About Storm-Related Scams
Public Warned of Health Threats from Floodwaters
Harrisburg – The state departments of Health (DOH) and Environmental Protection (DEP) today warned residents in central and eastern Pennsylvania of the health risks associated with coming into contact with floodwater.
Officials reminded residents the water has yet to crest in all areas. However, the state is working with local municipalities and regulators to immediately begin the process of rebuilding and recovery.
Residents should heed announcements from their local municipalities on the quality of drinking water, paying special attention to boil water advisories and requests for water conservation. Private wells that have been submersed by flooding should be tested prior to using the well water for drinking or bathing.
“Pennsylvanians’ health and safety remains our top priority,” said Department of Health Secretary Dr. Eli Avila. “We are working with local health care providers and facilities to ensure the public receives proper medical care in the affected areas and to get the word out on post-flooding health and safety guidelines.”
American Water Company Customers are NOT under a boil water advisory.
Customers may experience cloudy water for a short period. You should run the faucet for a few minutes until the water runs clear.
More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com
Roadway Updates
Residents are urged to visit http://goo.gl/QRmXf roadway updates.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution when entering wet areas. There is inherent danger due to the risk of electrocution and contaminates.
The emergency shelter is located at 1000 E. Cumberland Street in Lebanon.
Derry Township Municipal Authority is Now Operating
Residents are no longer being asked to conserve water usage. The Sewer Authority is pumping wastewater to the sewer plant.
Contacts
Congressman Tim Holden
www.holden.house.gov
Senator Robert Casey, Jr.
www.casey.senate.gov/contact/
Senator Patrick Toomey
www.tomey.senate.gov/?p=contact
Public Notices
Current News
Free Community CPR Training
Free CPR training is being offered on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 8:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Giant CenterSM in Hershey.
Bring your entire family to visit interactive stations to learn the basics of Hands-OnlyTM CPR, a skill that could help you save the life of a loved one.
Less than one-third of adults who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital receive bystander CPR. Hands-OnlyTM CPR is a skill that anyone can learn and use to help an adult who has suffered a cardiac arrest.
Other activities include:
- Tours of the Life Lion Helicopter and Critical Care Transport Unit
- Blood pressure screenings
- Information on infant and child CPR
- AED demonstrations
- Visit from the Nittany Lion
To learn more about this event, please call 717-531-1834. Groups are welcome to attend. If you have a group and would like to register for a specific CPR training time, please call 717-531-1834.
A portion of the 30-minute CPR class will require kneeling on the floor. Event attendees are encouraged to bring kneeling pads, towels, or blankets if needed to support their knees.
This free, community event is supported by Hershey Entertainment & Resort Company, The Hershey Company, Hershey Trust, Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute and Life Lion, and The M.S. Hershey Foundation.
North Lingle Avenue Project
At the March 21st Public Meeting there was a request by residents for project contact information that would be helpful for answering questions, and/or controlling rumors, as the project continues with the road closure beginning mid-May through 102 days thereafter. Any such inquiries should be through email or phone to Project Manager Steve Miller at:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or
838-8498 (the Project Field Office)
Trees Count PA! Provides Coupons for Trees
Fall is for Planting! Now through November 30, 2010, TreeVitalize "Trees Count PA!" coupons will be accepted at participating locations.
Homeowners can save $15 off the purchase of a tree $50 or more!
Coupons are available at www.treevitalize.net/TreeCoupon2.aspx and at participating locations.
Participating locations are listed at www.treevitalize.net/coupon/participating.aspx
Coupons are redeemable at participating locations within Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry and York counties.
Information on Trash Collection Services
Residents may choose three (3) bag, one (1) bag, or "pay as you throw service". All services include the collection of recycling, yard waste and one bulk item per week.
The price for a bag for the "pay as you throw" service or for extra trash is $3.50. The bags can be purchased at the Municipal Building, the Library, the Recreation Center, Public Works, and Recycling Center. "Pay as you throw" customers must use these bags. The old trash tags are no longer being sold, but will still be accepted for extra trash.
York Waste has provided totes. These are for the three bag customer. If you received a tote and are not a three bag customer or you are and don't want the tote, please contact the Department of Public Works at 533-2057, option 4, and the tote will be removed.
If you have an old trash can and would like to get rid of it, they can be brought and placed in a dumpster located at the Public Works Facility. The facility is opened Monday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The new totes are designed so that they are lifted by apparatus on the trash truck.
The same items go into the tote as into your trash can.
Only one tote is provided per household. Resident's may use additional containers, but trash in excess of the 3-bag limit must be in the Township purchased bag.
If you need to contact York Waste Disposal, they can be reached at 581-8383 or 1-800-353-5262.
Derry Township 2010-2011 Infrastructure Projects
Through many years of planning, design and funding, several major infrastructure projects are about to move into construction throughout Derry Township. The projects include infrastructure improvements to bridges, roadways, intersections and stormwater and sanitary facilities with a total construction cost of $23 million. The following is a general description, costs and timeframe for each of these projects.
These exciting improvements will necessitate unavoidable disruption to the Township's normal travel patterns. While each project has plans to maintain traffic at all times, travellers can expect delays at certain times during construction.
Accordingly, Derry Township is exploring various ways through which residents and tourists can stay informed of present and future construction activity. Please look for future updates to the following link that will provide more detail.
http://www.hrgprojects.com/derrytownship/main.asp
Derry Receives $4.2 Million for Storm Water Improvement Project
The Commonwealth Financing Authority named Derry Township's storm water project to receive funding through the H2O PA program.
The Township submitted the application in February requesting $4.2 million to undertake a township-wide storm water improvement project.
The Township is required to provide matching funds for the H2O award and has been previously qualified for a low interest Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank Loan to fund the required one-third match of the project’s cost.
“This is a great day for Derry Township,” said Chairman Mike Pries. “Over the last two years, we have been moving forward to make improvements to the storm water system and the authority’s favorable response for funding will make it possible.” The Board noted that securing this funding was a team effort and publicly recognized the efforts of Senator Jeffrey Piccola and Representative John Payne in advocating on behalf of the project.
The Township’s engineer, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. is in the process of obtaining necessary permits and is nearing completion of the design for the project. Because of the size of the project, it was divided into three systems.
System 1: Mill Street/Cherry Drive, Forest Avenue, Clark Road and Sand Hill Road, and W. Chocolate Avenue at Swatara Avenue
System 2: Hersheypark Drive (shopping area), Wood Road at Bullfrog Valley Road, and Route 422/322 Interchange
System 3: Cocoa Avenue/Governor Road and Cocoa Avenue between Elm Avenue and Areba Avenue
The Commonwealth Finance Authority also authorized a bond resolution to fund the approved projects to be available by September as long as it is not delayed based on current bond market conditions. Construction is expected to begin early in 2010.
Addition to Website Assists New Residents
The Township added a new section to the website to provide information to individuals who are considering moving to Derry Township, or who have recently relocated to the area.
The new section, found under About Us, includes a New Resident Guide which provides information on township services, schools, taxes, government, employment, housing, daycares, churches, clubs, and businesses. The guide was designed to provide pertinent information to those who want to learn more about the area and the personality of the community.
The new section of the website also provides local businesses with the opportunity to display an advertisement to promote their business. Board member Chris Abruzzo said, "This is a great partnership between the business community and the Township that will be beneficial to both. Business owners can reach new residents through our site and the Township can generate revenue to offset the cost of maintaining the site." The site averaged 24,364 visitors a month last year during the months of June through August, when the majority of people relocate.
The Township is providing ad space for $250 a year, or $25 a month. Special rates are available to non-profit groups. Interested businesses should contact Jill Horner, at 533-2057, option 5.
Township Encourages Residents to Prepare for a Pandemic
The threat of a pandemic is now more realistic since the outbreak of the H1N1 Swine Influenza. The last significant pandemic in the United States was the Spanish Flu in 1918 -1919. It happened so long ago that it's hard for citizens to imagine a flu spreading rapidly and killing hundreds of thousands of individuals. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has been warning that the possibility of a pandemic is real. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization were concerned most about the H5N1 Avian Influenza and the potential for it to mutate to a form that can spread from person to person. The Swine Flu occurred with little notice and spread from Mexico within days. This experience with the Swine Flu demonstrated how quickly a virus can form and transfer to and across the United States.
The Township created a Pandemic Planning Guide and mailed it to each home to prepare residents in case a flu pandemic ever occurs in Derry Township. The Guide encourages residents to practice proper preventative hygiene, social distancing, to stock essential non-perishable items and emergency supplies, and to be prepared for schools and day cares to close.
The Pandemic Planning Guide can be viewed by clicking here.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
www.pandemicflu.gov www.takethelead.pandemicflu.gov www.AvianFlu.gov www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us www.readyPA.org
