As thousands gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, many local residents are recovering from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. According to Billy Penn, more than 50,000 people lost power during the storm and at least three people died. In the aftermath, many people in surrounding areas are looking for ways to help out. Fortunately, there are dozens of organizations outside doing the work that needs to be done and here are a few ways that you can help them out.
Electricity
- PEPCO: To report an electrical emergency, call 800-841-4141
- PSE&G: For more information regarding outages, please visit their website.
- PPL Electric Utilities: Check outage statuses through their website.
- Atlantic City Electric: Keep up to date with electric statuses here.
- Delmarva Power: To report an outage, visit their website.
Water
Under no circumstances should you ever drink or consumer flood water. If you are experiencing flooding, brown running through your plumbing, etc., please call 215-685-6300 to speak with the Philadelphia Water Department.
Gas
If you are experiencing any gas issues, please call 215-235-1212 to speak with Philadelphia Gas Works.
Local Organizations
Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard
Bio: The Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard (UMACC) is a food pantry open to anyone who lives within the bounds of the Upper Merion Area School District and is hungry or food insufficient. The UMACC is located in the Valley Forge Presbyterian building (191 Town Center Road, KOP).
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Donate
Sharing Excess
Bio: Sharing Excess is scaling human compassion to meet a global challenge that has existed long before this idea was born. Founded in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 2018, our movement aims to address the crucial need for food by delivering regular surplus from grocers, restaurants, wholesalers, and farmers to communities experiencing food insecurity.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Volunteer
Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management
Bio: The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management is opening reception centers for people who may be impacted by storm damage, including flooding at their residences. The reception centers will open at 7 p.m. tonight, September 1st, and remain through the duration of the storm event. Reception locations are:
- West Philadelphia High School, 4901 Chestnut Street
- Roxborough High School, 6498 Ridge Avenue
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Volunteer
This article is being updated throughout the weekend. Feel free to provide suggestions of your own that can be added to this list.
