The Salisbury Township Police Department, Department of Public Works, Eastern Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Services Management personnel were lauded at the Aug. 13 township board of commissioners meeting for their response to Aug. 4 flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Isaias.

In the wake of the storm, commissioners voted unanimously 5-0, on a motion by Vice President Rodney Conn seconded by Commissioner Heather Lipkin, to ratify a declaration of disaster emergency.

Also, a Hurricane Isaias Home Cleanup Hotline is available: 1-844-965-1386.

Before the vote during the Aug. 13 township meeting via the Zoom online format, again held because of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines, with 32 persons registered as attending, Salisbury Township Manager Cathy Bonaskiewich said Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Tapler recommended the declaration “in the event that there were aftereffects that needed to be addressed.”

A social media post 12:08 p.m. Aug. 4 by the Salisbury Township Police Department observed “Lehigh Street has turned into the Lehigh River” and warned “Please avoid the area as the 3300 block has completely flooded.”

Lehigh Valley International Airport reported 4.92 inches of rain from Isaias, a record one-day rainfall for August in the Lehigh Valley. A flash flood watch was upgraded at approximately 8 a.m. to a flash flood warning in the southern parts of the Lehigh Valley. Gusts of wind of 35 to 40 mph were expected.

The declaration of disaster emergency, which took effect immediately in Salisbury as of the time of the vote, states, in part:

“On or about Aug. 4, there was a tropical storm event which has caused or threatens to cause injury, damage and suffering to the persons and property of Salisbury Township, and said tropical storm event has endangered the health, safety and welfare of a substantial number of persons residing in Salisbury Township and threatens to create problems greater in scope than Salisbury Township may be able to resolve;

“We direct the Salisbury Township Emergency Management Coordinator to coordinate the activities of the emergency response, to take all appropriate action needed to alleviate the effects of this disaster, to aid in the restoration of essential public services and to take any other emergency response action deemed necessary to respond to this emergency.

“We authorize officials of Salisbury Township to act as necessary to meet the current demands of this emergency, namely: by the employment of temporary workers, by the rental of equipment, by the purchase of supplies and materials and by entering into such contracts and agreements for the performance of public work as may be required to meet the emergency, all without regard to those time-consuming procedures and formalities normally prescribed by law, mandatory constitutional requirements excepted.”

A Lehigh County news release further states:

“In light of the effects of Hurricane Isaias on our region, Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency, along with our neighboring counties that were affected by flooding, have been working with our Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster partners to establish the Hurricane Isaias Home Cleanup Hotline to support affected homeowners.”

Residents are to call 1-844-965-1386 toll-free to provide details about the extent of storm-related damages.

“The information will be shared with volunteers from local disaster relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to help,” the news release states.

Residents are to call the hotline for help with:

•Cutting fallen trees

•Removing affected drywall, flooring and appliances

•Tarping roofs

•Mitigating mold

“These services are performed by volunteers and will be provided at no cost to the resident. However, service is not guaranteed.

“Resources are limited. After providing your information to the hotline, you may be contacted by a representative from a participating organization who will determine if they are able to provide help,” the news release states.

The hotline will remain open through Aug. 28. Calls are answered by volunteers generally during business hours, but residents can call and leave a message at any time. A volunteer will return the call as soon as possible.

The hotline does not provide help with social services such as food, clothing and shelter. It also does not offer information about insurance, questions about Federal Emergency Management Agency or provide financial support.

If a resident needs assistance with concerns not related to cleaning a home, he or she is to call 2-1-1 or text the Zip code to 898-211.

Commissioner James Seagreaves said, “I want to give a thank you to public works and John [Andreas, Salisbury Township director of public works] for all the work they’ve been undertaking because of all the storm damage.”

“It was really a taxing situation and everybody worked well together: public works, fire departments, police,” Salisbury Township Chief of Police Kevin Soberick said.

“I just wanted to thank you for the positive reinforcement and acknowledgment of our guys being out there and putting things back in place,” Andreas said.

“I wanted to thank the police, as well. Working through challenging times strengthens and deepens the relationships we have. I just want to thank Chief Soberick and his guys,” Andreas said.

The township commissioners are next scheduled to meet 7 p.m. Aug. 27, again via the Zoom meeting format, for which advance registration is required on the township website.