Rustic Ridge residents meet with Plum officials as community begins to recover

Plum, Allegheny County and American Red Cross personnel shared resources to help residents in the borough’s Rustic Ridge neighborhood during a meeting Thursday night, in the wake of a house explosion in the neighborhood Saturday that killed six.

“We want you to know that there’s a large community here that’s prepared and ready to help you get through this tragedy,” said James Sims, Plum’s emergency management coordinator.

Meeting attendees were provided with an information sheet that detailed contacts and services for mental health services, and counseling and disaster help information. That document was also posted on the borough’s “Savvy Citizen” notification system.

Residents were also able to open a case for assistance with the American Red Cross.

“We offer our condolences and our prayers for those who have passed in this tragic event, and we offer our prayers and our support to those who need our help, and that’s why this meeting was put together this evening,” Sims said.

Those killed in the explosion were Heather Oravitz, 51; her husband, Paul Oravitz, 56; Kevin Sebunia, 55; Michael Thomas, 57; Casey Clontz, 38; and his son, Keegan, 12.

Plum School District Assistant Superintendent Denise Sedlacek expressed the district’s condolences said its schools are ready to support the community however it’s needed. She said the district activated its crisis response team on Sunday, and had counselors and social workers at the school Monday and Tuesday.

The district has also identified students and families impacted by the catastrophe “to make sure that they can return to their sense of normalcy as soon as possible.”

The first day of school in Plum is Wednesday, Aug. 23.

“This is not a once and done,” Sedlacek said. “We will continue to monitor our students. We will continue to provide support and resources throughout the course of the year.”

Allegheny County Emergency Services Assistant Chief Steve Imbarlina said officials are willing to establish a multi-agency resource center, like a conference-style event where those affected can go and seek services they need in one location.

He said officials would continue talks with those in the community, and not push anything on residents.

“We all think we’re probably going to lean towards that, whether a lot of people need it or just a few people need it; I still think it’s worthwhile,” Imbarlina said. “So that is probably one of the first things we can do to start the recovery process here.”

Those with home damage due to the explosion can also contact the Red Cross to open a case. People would be provided a case manager that offers financial assistance, counseling resources, essential item replacement and non-denominational spiritual care.

People can reach Plum’s building inspector, Kevin Fields, at 412-795-6800 ext. 4503.

Members of the county’s Department of Human Services provided information and resources on emergency behavioral health, and said they are also available for support.

“We’re here to help however we can,” said the department’s Shannon Evans.