Flood Recovery

Emergency Updates & Announcements

• Sewage Leak and Safety Advisory Due to Flooding - UPDATE on 9/18/25
  • The sewer leaks caused by recent flooding have been mostly corrected, and the waterway advisory is officially lifted as of September 18, 2025. Regular water quality testing over the past several months has shown a steady decline in bacteria levels. Results are available here:  Bacterial Monitoring
  • While conditions have improved, we encourage all river users to continue exercising caution when recreating on the water. As a best practice in any natural water source: Be aware that heavy rains may still cause temporary sewer overflows and higher bacteria levels. Avoid submerging open wounds. Do not swallow river water.
• Allegany County Health Department is offering tetanus booster shots.

  • Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m.
    Allegany County Health Department
    12501 Willowbrook Road, SE
    Cumberland, MD  21502
    (301) 759-5000
    No appointment is necessary.  The vaccine is FREE, with priority given to those with cuts sustained during flood evacuation/cleanup.  Please note that this is for the tetanus vaccine ONLY.

• Link to sign up for emergency notifications: Everbridge

• Donations - Our community, and supporting area, have been incredibly generous - and in a hurry! We have a large stock of physical supplies, and have made the move to shift into the recovery and rebuilding phase. W𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬.⁣ We are proud to partner with the 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 to launch the 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝. Every dollar contributed will go directly toward helping our neighbors repair and rebuild their lives.⁣
  
  Clothing donations should be directed to Goodwill. Food donations should be directed to the Western MD Food Bank.

Financial Support:

• Local Flood Relief Application is Now Closed - The initial one-stop application for state and local relief is now closed. Case managers are currently reaching out to each of the 300+ applicants to gather receipts, schedule site visits, and begin reimbursements or coordinate delivery of needed items. We anticipate making contact with all applicants by mid-August. Please answer calls and allow site visits to keep the process moving quickly. Please note: these funds are a reimbursement program. The County must first issue payments or purchase items, then seek reimbursement from the Governor’s State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF). As always, receipts are required for reimbursements.
  • What’s Next? - Now through August 31: Case managers will continue to contact applicants, cross-reference with other support agencies, and make plans for reimbursement or supply delivery. Starting in September: Reimbursement checks will be delivered in person at local Town Halls, and items purchased by the County will be delivered as they become available.
• DHCD Funding Available for Furnace & Hot Water Tank Replacement!

  The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has announced $1 MILLION in new funding specifically to replace furnaces and hot water tanks damaged in the flood. This is a separate application from the previous one, and is not being managed by Allegany County.

  Apply here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2025/10/31/maryland-energy-assistance-program-meap-flood-assistance/

  We strongly urge flood-impacted residents to TEST YOUR FURNACE NOW, even in this summer heat. Don’t wait until cold weather returns and it’s too late to apply. 

• The Small Business Administration is offering Disaster Loans, available to affected businesses and homeowners. The SBA’s Disaster Loan program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profits, and businesses located in disaster declared counties who sustained damages from flooding. 
  • The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profits may apply for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.
  • Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
  • The deadline to return SBA disaster loan applications for physical damages is July 21, 2025. The deadline to return SBA economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) applications is February 23, 2026.
  • The SBA offers long-term repayment options to keep payments affordable, with terms up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay. View details about the SBA’s disaster declaration for the May 13, 2025, flooding here.
  • Applicants may immediately 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 by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov and referencing Pennsylvania Disaster Number PA-20019. 
  • (Explanation for the PA reference: Somerset County applied for the declaration first, and their approval includes us as a contiguous county.)

  • SBA Loan Fact Sheet

  • Informational Flyer - Home Owners & Renters

  • Informational Flyer - Businesses

• Tri-County Council is offering Small Business Flood Recovery Loans up to $20,000 with 0% interest for 2-5 year terms to assist with flood recovery. Email relief@tccwmd.org or call 301-689-1300 for more information and loan application form. 
• First Peoples Community FCU - Offering emergency relief auto and personal loans with low or no interest for those impacted by the flood. https://www.firstpeoples.com/rates
• First United Bank & Trust is also offering Disaster Relief Loan Options. More here: https://mybank.com/help/relief4u/
• ACM Flood Relief Scholarship Fund to assist these students as they continue their pursuit of higher education despite the challenges they now face. Our goal is to remove financial barriers caused by the flood and help students stay on track with their educational and career goals. Current students as well as new students admitted for upcoming terms are eligible to apply for assistance. More here: https://allegany.edu/floodrelief/

Business Specific

• Report Initial Business Impact Information -To provide the best assistance, governmental agencies need to understand the true nature of an incident's effect on businesses. This form will help you communicate that information, so we can get you the most effective help possible. Complete the Form here.
  
• Assistance for Allegany County Businesses - Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman has announced that her office will waive penalties and interest on all business tax payments with due dates between May 10, 2025, and June 30, 2025. The waivers will be applied on the condition that the returns are filed, and payments are received by July 20, 2025. 
  • They need to hear from you for this to apply! Please do not delay. 
    • Visit in-person at the Cumberland Branch Office, located at the Allegany Museum,
      3 Pershing Street, Suite 101, Cumberland, MD 21502. A member of the Taxpayer Services team in Cumberland can assist you in person with your business tax questions. Click here to Schedule an In-Person Visit.
    • Reach them by phone: Call the Taxpayer Services Division at 1-800-638-2937. Press 1 to be connected with an agent for assistance.
    • Schedule a Virtual Appointment with the Taxpayer Services team.
    • Register with our MyCOMConnect Portal and submit a request for assistance. A member of their Taxpayer Services team will follow up with you through your preferred communication method.

Debris Cleanup

The United States Army Corps of Engineers - Baltimore District assisted Allegany County in flood debris cleanup, specifically related to clogged waterways that may effect future flooding. Their help was greatly appreciated. To see see details on their project, check out the story board here.

Flood Cleanup Best Practices & Safety Tips

Cleaning up after a flood is a critical step toward recovery. To ensure safety and prevent further damage, follow these guidelines:

Prioritize Safety Before Entering

• Wait for Official Clearance: Ensure local authorities have declared your area safe.

• Inspect for Structural Damage: Check for warping, cracks, or compromised foundations.

• Turn Off Utilities: If safe, shut off electricity and gas to prevent fires or electrocution.

• Ventilate the Area: Open doors and windows to allow fresh air in.

Source: FEMA - Safe Cleanup After the Flood

Essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gloves: Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves.

• Masks: Use N95 respirators to protect against mold spores.

• Eye Protection: Safety goggles shield against debris.

• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof boots prevent injuries.

• Clothing: Long sleeves and pants minimize skin exposure.

Source: EPA - Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Remove Standing Water: Use pumps or wet vacuums.

• Discard Porous Items: Carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture often can't be salvaged.

• Clean Hard Surfaces: Scrub with soap and water, then disinfect with a bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water).

• Dry Thoroughly: Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry the area within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Source: EPA - Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health

Mold Prevention and Remediation

• Act Quickly: Mold can develop within 24-48 hours.

• Remove Affected Materials: Discard drywall, insulation, and other porous materials that have been wet.

• Clean Non-Porous Surfaces: Use appropriate cleaning agents to remove mold.

• Monitor Health: Be alert for respiratory issues or allergic reactions.

Source: EPA - Homeowner's and Renter's Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters

Documentation for Insurance and Assistance

• Photograph Damage: Take clear pictures of all affected areas and items.

• Keep Receipts: Save all receipts for cleanup and repair expenses.

• Contact Insurance: Notify your insurance company promptly.

• Apply for Assistance: Register with FEMA and local aid programs as needed.

Source: FEMA - Starting Your Recovery After a Flood

For more detailed guidance, visit:

• FEMA - Cleaning Flooded Buildings

• EPA - Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance

Health & Safety

Before reentering your home after a flood, prioritize safety to protect yourself and your family.

Safety Checklist

• Wait for Official Clearance: Only return home when local authorities have declared it safe.

• Inspect for Structural Damage: Check for warping, cracks, or compromised foundations.

• Turn Off Utilities: If safe, shut off electricity and gas to prevent fires or electrocution.

• Ventilate the Area: Open doors and windows to allow fresh air in.

Source: FEMA - Returning Home After a Flood

Illness Prevention After Flooding

Floodwaters can carry harmful contaminants. Follow these guidelines to stay healthy:

• Avoid Contact with Floodwater: It may contain sewage, chemicals, and debris.

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after contact with floodwaters.

• Disinfect Contaminated Items: Clean and disinfect all items that came into contact with floodwater.

• Watch for Symptoms: Be alert for signs of illness, such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, and seek medical attention if needed.

Source: CDC - Floodwater Safety

Mental Health Resources

Experiencing a flood can be emotionally taxing. It's essential to address mental health needs:

• Recognize Stress Symptoms: Common reactions include anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.

• Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or mental health professionals about your experiences.

• Access Professional Help: Utilize available resources for counseling and support.

Immediate Assistance:

• Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for 24/7 crisis counseling.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for immediate support for mental health crises.

Source: SAMHSA - Coping with Traumatic Events