Flyover Documents Sandy-Related Damage in the Poconos

Mount Pocono, Monroe County - A representative from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) took to the sky to see just how much damage Hurricane Sandy did in the Poconos.

Bob Wertz, who works with the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency, was on that flight. He said, "We wanted to get a better handle on basically where the damage is at, how much damage there is."

He saw trees blocking roads and trees smashed through homes. The video and photos from the flight will help the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) decide how much, if any, financial assistance to give Monroe County. Wertz said, "I think it is important to be able to document everything that has occurred in the country."

The flight documented large scale damage to see if the county will get government money to reimburse public costs related to the storm. Emergency Preparedness Planner Maryellen Keegan said, "The cost that were spent in getting the townships ready with leaf cleaning, debris removal, as well as during, opening up the roads again, bringing in all sorts of resources."

It is also important for individuals to document damage at their homes and businesses. That will help the government decide if individuals in this part of Pennsylvania are eligible for disaster assistance.

Officials are asking you to take photos of your damage and fill out a form detailing what happened. You can pick those up at voting locations Tuesday. Once you fill them out, bring them to your township building.