Bucks County issues emergency declaration in wake of fatal flooding. What does it mean?

James McGinnis, Bucks County Courier Times
Updated ·3 min read

Bucks County issued an emergency disaster declaration on Monday morning as hundreds of first responders continued their search for two young children swept away in fatal floods.

A county declaration could be the first step toward a state or national disaster declaration following the deaths of at least five people in three days in Upper Makefield.

The Bucks County Emergency Management Agency was ordered to "take all appropriate action" to restore essential services to homes and businesses along the Delaware River near Houghs Creek and to assist in locating the missing.

Volunteer fire companies were already working Sunday with assistance from state agencies and crews from neighboring New Jersey. On Monday, the search continued for siblings ― 2-year-old Matilda Sheils and her 9-month-old baby brother Conrad, not seen since Saturday.

Live Updates: 'Massive deployment' in search for two children swept away in Delaware River flash flood

More: Fatal floods: Who does water rescues in Bucks County?

Upper Makefield police Chief Mark Schmidt (left) and fire Chief Tim Brewer at press conference in the township building to say a fourth victim was found in Hough’s Creek raising the death toll from Saturday’s flooding to four.
Upper Makefield police Chief Mark Schmidt (left) and fire Chief Tim Brewer at press conference in the township building to say a fourth victim was found in Hough’s Creek raising the death toll from Saturday’s flooding to four.

What does the Bucks County emergency declaration mean?

Bucks County's emergency declaration does not include an estimate of the damages or the total area impacted by the floods.

When authorized, emergency declarations speed up the process for selecting contractors to repair roads, bridges, and utility systems. In such emergencies, the government can skip the exhaustive work of seeking bids from contractors for approval at public meetings.

If declared an emergency disaster by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, local and state agencies could also apply to Congress and FEMA for money and support. Federal emergency disasters can free up money for police, fire, and ambulance services with 75 percent of the costs covered by the federal governments, according to FEMA. Emergency funds can also be used to provide housing assistance and crisis counseling.

Shapiro visited the disaster area Sunday.

"My administration has fulfilled every request that has come in from local officials and we will continue to do all we can to support the good people of Bucks County," the governor tweeted. "We have your backs — and we’ll be here as long as it takes to rebuild."

If declared by the governor, emergency declarations could also send funds to repair roads.

At least three major roads remained closed on Monday in both Lower Makefield and Upper Makefield townships.

Taylorsville Road was closed between Route 532 (Washington Crossing Road) and Woodside Road. Route 32 (River Road) was shutdown between Woodside Road to Taylorsville Road. Route 532 (Washington Crossing Road) was also blocked between Dolington Road and Taylorsville Road.

PECO reported about a dozen customers in the area without power.

Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said his office was in contact with the rescue teams and urged anyone seeking assistance to contact his office at 215-579-8102.

“We pray for those we’ve lost, and we remain in vigorous search mode for those who are missing,” Fitzpatrick added.

The county commissioners issued the disaster declaration Monday. It will be officially ratified at Wednesday's scheduled commissioners meeting.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County's emergency declaration could speed flood recovery