*This post will continue to be updated as new information becomes available. Check back frequently*

The City continues to manage the storm damage and flooding impacts from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management has opened reception centers for people who may be impacted by storm damage, including flooding at their residences.

The region has seen historic flooding on the Schuylkill River along with other waterways in the city. 

If you live in a flood-prone area and are experiencing flooding, please shelter in place until the water recedes and it becomes safe to leave your home. 

To help the City understand the extent of damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida and to see where resources and recovery assistance may be needed, we’re asking anyone impacted by this severe storm to answer a short survey and upload any photos they may have into our damage assessment tool. Philly311 is available for help completing the survey by phone from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday.

Additional weather alerts or emergency information will be sent to ReadyPhiladelphia subscribers (via text message) as well as on OEM’s social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

Below, residents can find:

  • Rolling updates.
  • Where to report issues.
  • Helpful links and resources.
  • Frequently asked questions.

Recent Updates 

December 17, 2021

SBA Disaster Loans Can Help Philadelphians Reduce Risk for Future Events

Residents and businesses who experienced from damage due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida can use disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for mitigation projects. Any business or individual who has applied for SBA assistance may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damage to cover improvements that protect a home or business from future storms or incidents. Mitigation loan funds are in addition to the amount approved from the original loan application. There is no cost to apply, and applicants are under no obligation to accept a loan if approved.

Ways to protect from future disasters from the US Small Business Administration

Some helpful information about mitigation projects:

  • Mitigation is any action taken to reduce your business or home’s risk to future impacts from flooding. Mitigation is an important part of building back a stronger, more resilient community post-disaster.
  • Some examples of mitigation projects to prevent future flooding may include natural landscaping to improve water runoff and drainage, elevation of structures, and adding a sump pump.
  • Investing in mitigation saves money in the long-term. A 2018 study by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that for every $1 spent on mitigation, $6 is saved on average in future response and recovery costs.

To discuss this opportunity with SBA, call 800-659-2955 and ask about options to increase your loan for mitigation purposes. For more information, visit SBA’s website.

December 9, 2021

FEMA Region 3 and the U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that they are extending the deadline to apply for assistance for damage that was the result of Hurricane Ida.

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance and U.S. SBA low-interest loan aid is now January 10, 2022.

Applications will be taken online or over the phone. The U.S. SBA Business Business Recovery Center at the Falls of the Schuylkill Library in East Falls will close at 5 p.m. December 10th.

Visit FEMA’s release for more info, including how to apply.

For questions or to apply for U.S. SBA assistance, call 1-800-659-2955 or go online (apply under SBA declaration # 17165).

The Temple University Small Business Development Center (Temple SBDC), hosted at the Fox School of Business and Management at Temple University, is also available to support businesses seeking SBA disaster loan recovery resources. Businesses will be paired with a consultant who can assist them at no cost and can help them understand the qualifications and application process. Businesses can connect with Temple SBDC by filling out this form.

December 3, 2021

Press release from the U.S. Small Business Administration:

SBA Physical Damage Deadline  for  Pennsylvania Due to Disaster Remnants of Hurricane Ida

The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible businesses, homeowners,
renters and Private Nonprofit (PNPs) organizations in Pennsylvania of the Dec. 10 deadline to submit
disaster loan applications for physical damages caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida on Aug. 31
through Sept. 5, 2021.

Businesses, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations in the Pennsylvania counties of
Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and York are eligible to
apply for physical disaster loans and for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Economic Injury
Disaster Loans only are available to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the
following adjacent counties: Adams, Berks, Blair, Cambria, Carbon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fulton,
Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, and Somerset in Pennsylvania; New Castle in Delaware;
Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, and Harford in Maryland; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester,
Hunterdon, Mercer, and Warren in New Jersey.

To be considered for all forms of disaster assistance, applicants should register online at
DisasterAssistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app. If online or mobile access is unavailable,
applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video
Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at
https://DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 17165, not for
the COVID 19 incident.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s
Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or
emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at
sba.gov/disaster.

Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration,
Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Dec. 10, 2021. The deadline
to return economic injury applications is June 10, 2022.

November 30, 2021

The deadline to apply for a disaster loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA) is Friday, December 10, 2021. The SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) at the Falls of Schuylkill Library will remain open through the end of the day December 10 unless otherwise noted. The BRC can assists Pennsylvania businesses and home owners with one-on-one assistance in submitting a disaster loan applications if they were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

SBA Business Recovery Center, Philadelphia

Location: Falls of the Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129

Hours:

Monday and Wednesday, noon – 8 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Closed: Saturday and Sunday

The Temple University Small Business Development Center (Temple SBDC), hosted at the Fox School of Business and Management at Temple University, is also available to support businesses seeking SBA disaster loan recovery resources. Businesses will be paired with a consultant who can assist them at no cost and can help them understand the qualifications and application process. Businesses can connect with Temple SBDC by filling out this form.

The Temple SBDC has been serving Philadelphia-area small businesses for almost 40 years. On behalf of the university, SBDC works to provide the community with no-cost business services and solutions. Highly trained and experienced staff provide start-up and small businesses with professional knowledge and actionable strategies in many different areas. As part of the Pennsylvania Small Business Centers network, SBDC joins the state-wide mission to provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge they need to make smart decisions and prosper. The SBDC program is a public/private partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and 16 universities and colleges across the Commonwealth.

November 23, 2021

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Business Recovery Center (BRC) will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 25th.

It will reopen during regular business hours Friday, November 26th.

The BRC is scheduled to close December 10th, although that date is subject to change.

November 10, 2021

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Business Recovery Center (BRC) at the Falls of Schuylkill Library will remain open through the end of the day December 10, 2021. The BRC can assist Pennsylvania businesses and home owners with one-on-one assistance in submitting a disaster loan application if they were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

SBA Business Recovery Center, Philadelphia
Location:
Falls of the Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Hours:
Wednesday, September 15th Noon-8 p.m.
Monday and Wednesday, noon – 8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed: Saturday and Sunday

November 9, 2021

Governor Tom Wolf reminds Pennsylvania residents and businesses that they can apply for federal assistance to aid in their recovery from Hurricane Ida. FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center in Philadelphia closes November 13th. More info in the state release.

October 15, 2021

On October 14th, the City of Philadelphia was approved for federal aid to reimburse expenses that resulted from response activities and infrastructure damage associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

The relief, in the form of Public Assistance funding, is an expansion of the Federal Disaster Declaration Assistance that Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf sought after the storm.

The funds will support city and eligible private nonprofit organizations in recovery efforts for expenses that were incurred from the storm which caused severe flooding and other damage throughout the state from August 31st to September 5th.

Monetary estimates for damage to city infrastructure and personnel costs are over $31 million at this moment. Included is overtime for emergency responders and damage to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Water Department, public buildings, city owned equipment, along with clean-up costs like debris removal.

To meet the aid threshold, city departments and private nonprofits documented damage and joint-damage assessments were conducted by the city with partners from the federal (FEMA) and state (PEMA) government. That information was then sent to the state for review before being approved by the federal government.

PEMA will soon schedule meetings for Public Assistance eligible Pennsylvania counties, including Philadelphia, where they will outline the application process, timeline, and discuss eligible costs for the City and private nonprofits.

More information is available online at www.pema.pa.gov/ida. 

While this much needed and appreciated relief is geared towards public infrastructure, the President did approve Individual Assistance and business assistance in early September. Residents or businesses interested in that support can visit FEMA’s assistance page for more information.

October 8, 2021

Business and Employee Reminders

  • The Merchants Fund is offering grants to Philadelphia businesses impacted by Hurricane Ida. Learn more and apply. Deadline is October 10th.
  • Unemployment assistance is available for individuals, including those who are self-employed, who lost work as a direct result of damages caused by remnants of Hurricane  Ida. Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced those impacted are eligible to apply for temporary Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). State Labor and Industry staff are available to help at the Disaster Recovery Center at 7219 Ridge Avenue in Roxborough. Deadline to apply for DUA benefits is October 20, 2021.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration has  low-interest loans available to those who qualify. SBA staff are available at their Business Recovery Center at the Falls of the Schuylkill Library in Philadelphia to provide one-on-one assistance in submitting a disaster loan application. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 10, 2021. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is June 10, 2022.

September 25, 2021

Information from FEMA Region 3 Press Release:

Pennsylvania/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Will Open in Philadelphia to Help Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at 7219 Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia will open on Saturday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. to help those whose homes or personal property were affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida between August 31-September 5, 2021.

The Philadelphia County DRC, operating in partnership with the Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management, is located at the former CVS location, 7219 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128.

Hours of operation:
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. -7:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

DRCs provide disaster survivors with information from Pennsylvania state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small
Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center is not required to register with FEMA.

In addition to visiting a DRC, you can register:
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center, call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
• Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available online at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
• Download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), wherever you access your mobile applications.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to use amplified telephones, phones that display text, amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss, and magnifiers for people with vision loss. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to help survivors with immediate essential needs and to help displaced survivors find a safe, functional place to live temporarily until they can return home. Many survivors may have additional needs beyond what can be provided by FEMA. The agency works closely with (Commonwealth)state, federal, faith-based, and voluntary agencies to help match survivors who have remaining needs with other sources of assistance.

For updates on the Pennsylvania response and recovery, follow the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency twitter.com/PEMAHQ on Twitter and Facebook https://m.facebook.com/PEMAHQ/. Additional information is available at fema.gov/disaster/4618.

For information about SBA’s disaster assistance, call 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

 

September 20, 2021

Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier announced today Pennsylvanians who live or work in one of the six counties impacted by remnants of Hurricane Ida are eligible to apply for temporary Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) beginning today.

Deadline to apply for DUA benefits is October 20, 2021.

September 15, 2021

The U.S. Small Business Administration is opening a Business Recovery Center at the Falls of the Schuylkill Library beginning Wednesday, September 15th to assist Pennsylvania businesses and others that qualify with one-on-one assistance in submitting a disaster loan application if they were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida on August 31st through September 5th.

The US SBA wants you to know that ANYONE can get help with their SBA disaster loan application at that center, not just business owners. Also, you can live anywhere in the declared counties and go to any recovery center for assistance.

The SBA Business Recovery Center is different than the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.

SBA Business Recovery Center, Philadelphia
Location
Falls of the Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Hours
Wednesday, September 15th Noon-8 p.m.
Monday and Wednesday, noon – 8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed: Saturday and Sunday

September 13, 2021

The City provided an update today on Ida recovery after the Major Disaster Declaration and what it means for affected residents and businesses. This includes info on damage estimates and ways that those who experienced damage from the major storm can begin their financial aid process with FEMA.

Also, FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will be in impacted neighborhoods to hand out informational flyers as well as talk with residents about registering for FEMA assistance. Please be aware that they will be wearing FEMA gear and have appropriate federal identification.

Be aware of scams and know your rights as property owners. More information from Pennsylvania State Attorney General Josh Shapiro. 

September 11, 2021

Governor Tom Wolf announced that Pennsylvania was approved by President Joe Biden for a Major Disaster Declaration following damage from Tropical Depression Ida.

Eligible residents and businesses can apply for financial assistance in their recovery in three ways:

  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • Over the phone 1-888-621-FEMA (3362)
  • In-person at at Disaster Recovery Center *to be announced

Please record you FEMA identification number. You will need it through your process.

The City urges all who were impacted by Ida to be prepared when applying for support and to continue documenting all storm-related damage and costs, including receipts, insurance denials, and photos of damage. 

If individuals have submitted damage reports with the City through the online assessment tool, they will still need to begin a new case and file information with FEMA in accordance with its damage assessment requirements. 

Stay connected to developments by texting STORMPHL to 888-777 to receive free alerts. Information will also be posted to the City’s information blog and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Where to report issues

Gas odors

If anyone smells a gas odor, they should immediately leave the area and call 911 or Philadelphia Gas Works at 215-235-1212 and provide the address or location. PGW’s Customer Call Center (215-235-1000) will be open.

Drinking water quality issues

Residents who experience discolored water after flooding should call (215) 685-6300 right away so an inspector can investigate.

Clogged inlets

PWD crews worked to clear storm drains of mud and debris after the flooding from Hurricane Ida, but if residents believe any local inlets are not draining properly, they should report the exact location by calling (215) 685-6300.

Fallen trees

  • Street trees 
    • If a tree falls and is blocking a road, or it has fallen on a house, car or other property, call 911. Emergency services will respond to make the location safe.
    • If the fallen tree is touching electrical wires, please call PECO at (800) 841-4141 to report.
    • For non-emergency tree requests contact Philly311. Non-emergencies include downed trees or branches that are not blocking a road or not on a house, car, or property, or when not touching electrical wires.
  • Park trees
    • If a tree falls in an open area of a park, please contact Philly311 to report. 311 will send a service request to the Parks & Rec maintenance team to clear the fallen tree. 
    • For emergencies involving park trees, please call 911. These emergencies would include park trees that have fallen onto playground equipment, cars, or the street. 
  • Private property trees
    • Fallen trees on private property are the property owner’s responsibility to resolve. If a tree from a neighboring property has caused damage to your property, please seek legal counsel. 

Crisis Cleanup 

Home Cleanup Hotline has been activated for the Commonwealth. Those needing assistance can sign up by calling the national toll-free number at 844-965-1386. Signing up for Crisis Cleanup does not guarantee help and calling Crisis Cleanup does not replace calling local or county emergency management to report the damage. 

Helpful links and resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find information about flooding and resources?

Residents and businesses can find information about flooding response and resources on the  City’s Flood Management Program page, including flooding resources for various areas impacted by flooding.

If your property experiences flooding, complete the City’s Flood Report Survey to provide the City with information that can help the City plan for the future.

Once waters recede, businesses and homeowners should take photos of any storm or flood damage. If it is safe to do so, take photos before any repairs are made.

Who can I contact for financial assistance?

If you have renter’s or owner’s insurance, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Please note that flood damage is not typically covered by typical insurance policies: Flood insurance is a separate policy/rider. Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home. Document damage by taking pictures, if the area is safe. Consider making a list of all the items damaged. Save all receipts for any money spent during recovery.

Who can I contact to help clean up the damage? 

If you have insurance, contact your insurance company to ask about recommended contractors/water damage restoration companies.  

Repairs may first require obtaining a permit from the City. Visit the following website to ensure that the contractor you hire is licensed. 

Before hiring any contractor, you should research the contractor – including checking multiple references, searching the internet, and contacting the Better Business Bureau – to ensure that the contractor is competent and honest. 

My house is flooded, but I have nowhere to go. How do I get lodging? 

Please reach out to the Red Cross hotline: 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

Where can I get meals? 

Please call 311, which has a variety of resources they can refer you to. City-supported public food sites can also be found by visiting phila.gov/food. 

I do not have important items with me 

How do I get paper documentation such as a license or proof of ID? 

  • PennDOT provides replacements of destroyed vehicle titles, driver’s licenses, and vehicle registration cards following a disaster. Please call 800-932-4600 or visit penndot.gov.  
  • You can request a replacement Social Security card online. 
  • The PA Department of Health provides copies of birth and death certificates. A state declaration is required for fees to be waived. Please call 717-772-3480 or visit health.pa.gov. 

How do I get medications?

Contact your pharmacy to ask about an emergency refill. If you have a Medicare drug plan, your plan may cover replacement medicine. When leaving your home, please remember to bring any medications you have and copies of your prescriptions.   

Where can I access legal services? 

Community Legal Services (CLS) offers attorney support for housing, public benefits, employment, and many other areas. They can be reached at 215-981-3700 or clsphila.org/.   

What mental health supports are available? 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, the 24/7 Suicide Crisis & Intervention phone number is 1-800-273-855, or text “HOME” to 741741.  

The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) operates a free, 24/7 Mental Health Delegate phone number. Delegates can assist with information, guidance, and referrals for you and your family. They can be reached at 215-685-6440.   

Additionally, you can learn more about Mental Health First aid and get free mental health screening by visiting Healthy Minds Philly.  

Past updates

September 9, 2021

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will open a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) to provide assistance to residents and businesses impacted by Ida.

The center, located at Gustine Recreation Center 4868 Ridge Avenue, will be open Friday, September 10th, and Saturday, September 11th, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The site is near SEPTA’s Wissahickon Transportation Center and is accessible by the 1,35, 61, and R bus routes. There is also vehicle parking on-site at the recreation center and lot at Ridge Avenue and West School House Lane.

Philadelphia residents with unmet needs because of the storm, such as document replacement or guidance on insurance, can meet local and state agencies to help them in their recovery. Those coming to the MARC should bring relevant documents and photos of storm damage if you have not completed OEM’s Damage Reporter.

Spanish translators and telephonic interpretation will be available on site to assist.

The building is ADA accessible.

Please follow COVID-19 guidance. Masks are required for anyone entering the building regardless of vaccination status.

Agencies present at the MARC include the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Pennsylvania Department of Health, PennDot, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

September 5, 2021

Reception Centers

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) two reception centers, which were opened for people who were impacted by storm damage and flooding, are now closed. If people are in need of shelter, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Guidance from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

Residents and river users are reminded that State law prohibits all recreational boating, except rowing sweeps and sculls (and their attendant safety boats) below the Girard Bridge. In addition, City and State officials are urging extreme caution for any recreational activity on or along the Schuylkill River while storm damage assessment continues.

Damage Assessment

Beginning today, OEM and the City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections are working with partners from FEMA, PEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration to document the damage in affected locations in the city. The team will visit Manayunk, East Falls, and Center City. The process is expected to take several days.

Note that on Friday, September 3, Mayor Kenney issued a local emergency declaration.

Information and Resources for Residents and Business Owners

Businesses and homeowners are urged to take photos of any storm or flood damage. If it is safe to do so, take photos before any repairs are made. To help the City understand the extent of damage and to see where resources may be needed, we are urging residents and businesses impacted by the storm to answer a short survey and upload any photos they may have into OEM’s damage assessment tool at phila.gov/oem/storm. This tool and the on-site damage assessment by OEM and partners helps the City inform state and federal agencies about local damages and access future resources to aid recovery. Damage can also be reported to 311 during standard hours, which includes interpretation services for non-English speaking business or home owners.

September 3, 2021

City buildings 

City offices will be closed to the public tomorrow, Friday, September 3 due to the continued impact of yesterday’s storm and the ongoing flooding hazard. Employees who can work remotely should check with their supervisor and do so.

City services

The City will be operating essential services only. 

Trash and recycling collections: Residents should continue to set materials out on their regular collection day. Trash and recycling collections will continue in areas unaffected by flooding. Residents should expect delays in areas where roads are impacted by flooding.

Philly311: The Philly 311 Call Center will remain open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. to take calls for non-emergencies.

City Health Centers: Health centers will be open and operating regular hours. 

The Philadelphia Water Department’s customer contact center (215-685-6300) will be open.

The First Judicial District of Philadelphia announced that Philadelphia courts will be closed on Friday to ensure the safety of employees and court users.

Road closures and public transit

Numerous roads will remain closed, including heavily traveled portions of I-676, I-76, and Kelly Drive. 

SEPTA will post real-time travel updates at septa.org and @SEPTA on Twitter. Riders should expect service disruptions and delays to continue through the day. For those who have to travel, the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines are the best options and provide access to essential services throughout the City.

School District of Philadelphia

The School District of Philadelphia announced that school buildings will be closed on Friday, September 3. Students will engage in 100% virtual learning and instruction.

Reception Center

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management has opened a reception center for people who may be impacted by storm damage, including flooding at their residences. A reception center is a safe location operated by the City and Red Cross where people can go to get out of harm’s way, receive information and guidance along with resources and basic necessities to those affected.

Crisis Cleanup Home Cleanup Hotline has been activated for the Commonwealth. 

Crisis Cleanup is a national partner that captures data from homeowners who experienced storm-related damage that require assistance.  The information collected is made available to all the helping agencies in the area that provide free crisis cleanup services.  These volunteer-based teams generally perform tree removal, mucking, mold remediation, tarping, debris removal, rebuilding, and other essential services.   

Those needing assistance can sign up by calling the national toll-free number at 844-965-1386. Signing up for Crisis Cleanup does not guarantee help, but the requested needs are visible to all the helping agencies in the area who may reach out if assistance is available. 

Calling Crisis Cleanup does not replace calling local or county emergency management to report the damage.  

Businesses

The Philadelphia Department of Commerce is gathering information about neighborhood business areas that have been affected. If your area has a number of businesses that have been impacted by the flooding, and you haven’t been in touch with Commerce about this damage, you can contact business@phila.gov.  

Damage Assessment Survey

To help the City understand the extent of damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida and to see where resources and recovery assistance may be needed, we’re asking anyone impacted by this severe storm to answer a short survey and upload any photos they may have into our damage assessment tool.

Philadelphia Water Department

If a Water customer’s property experiences flooding, we ask that they complete the City’s Flood Report Survey to provide us with information that can help the City plan for the future. Once waters recede, businesses and homeowners should take photos of any storm or flood damage. If it is safe to do so, take photos before any repairs are made.

September 2, 2021

City services

Trash and recycling collections will continue in areas unaffected by flooding, expect delays. Residents should continue to set materials out on their regular day. The city will be operating essential services only. 

The First Judicial District of Philadelphia also announced that Philadelphia courts will be closed today.

More information about City services for September 2, 2021 is available here.

City buildings closed

The City of Philadelphia announced that all city offices will be closed to the public today due to the continued impact of yesterday’s storm and the ongoing flooding hazard. Employees who can work remotely should check with their supervisor and do so.

Road closures and public transit

Numerous roads are closed this morning, including heavily travelled portions of I-676, I-76, and Kelly Drive. There is also an impact on SEPTA mass transit service.

Reception Centers

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management has opened reception centers for people who may be impacted by storm damage, including flooding at their residence. A reception center is a safe location operated by the City and Red Cross where people can go to get out of harm’s way, receive information and guidance along with resources and basic necessities to those affected.

Damage Assessment Survey

To help the City understand the extent of damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida and to see where resources and recovery assistance may be needed, we’re asking anyone impacted by this severe storm to answer a short survey and upload any photos they may have into our damage assessment tool.

School District of Philadelphia

The School District of Philadelphia announced a two-hour delay. Families, media, and the public are urged to monitor the District website for updated information.

Philadelphia Water Department

The Philadelphia Water Department’s customer contact center (215-685-6300) will be open. Once waters recede, businesses and homeowners should take photos of any storm or flood damage. If it is safe to do so, take photos before any repairs are made. If a Water customer’s property experiences flooding, we ask that they complete the City’s Flood Report Survey to provide us with information that can help the City plan for the future.

Complete the City's damage assessment survey
Visit the City's Flood Management Program page