As we prepare for the impending Hurricane Sandy, please take a moment to engage in preparedness activities. NBC10 says the rain is expected to arrive on Sunday evening with the heaviest rain and strongest winds most likely on Monday into Tuesday. I would encourage you to:
· Review your Family Emergency Plan and update as needed.
· Be prepared to evacuate if local officials instruct you to do so.
· Be prepared for potential long-term power outages.
· Leaves are excellent material to clog/block storm drains, and make flooding worse. Get leaves and any other obstructing materials away from storm drains before the storm arrives.
HURRICANE TIPS
• HAVE AN EMERGENCY KIT FOR YOU AND YOUR PET in case you need to evacuate.
BEFORE the storm:
• SIGN UP TO RECEIVE FREE EMERGENCY ALERT INFORMATION at www.readynotifypa.org
• IF YOU EXPERIENCE A POWER OUTAGE be prepared with flashlights/ extra batteries/lanterns, do not use candles.
• MONITOR STREAM AND URBAN STREET FLOODING – For those living in areas that are prone to localized flooding, closely watch small streams and low-lying areas for early flooding. Make sure street storm drains are cleared.
• SECURE OUTSIDE OBJECTS. Hurricane force winds can make outdoor furniture into missiles.
• MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF FUEL AND WATER.
• HAVE SEVERAL DAYS SUPPLY OF FOOD, WATER AND PRESCRIPTION
MEDICATION for each family member.
• REGISTER YOURSELF OR LOVED ONES WITH THE SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY at
www.specialneedspa.org if you or they have difficulty receiving or acting upon emergency instructions. This service is for individuals who live in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.
• DO NOT WALK THROUGH FLOWING WATER – Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most of these drownings occur during flash floods. Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, sweep away cars, tear out trees, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet.
If you MUST walk through a flooded area, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there
and solid, even where the water is not flowing.
DURING AND AFTER the storm:
• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED AREA – More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Cars can be swept away in just 2 feet of moving water. Do not drive around road barriers. They are there for a reason. The road or bridge may be washed out or structurally unsound. If your car becomes trapped in floodwaters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled
vehicles. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN• AVOID POWER LINES AND ELECTRICAL WIRES – Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your
utility company or local emergency manager. Always assume a downed wire is a live wire.
The number to PECO is 1-800-841-4141; the number to PPL is 1-800-342-5775.
• LOOK BEFORE YOU STEP – After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
• BE ALERT FOR GAS LEAKS – Do not turn on electric lights, but use a flashlight to inspect for damage. A spark from the light switch could cause an explosion or fire. Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.
• CARBON MONOXIDE EXHAUST KILLS – Only use camping stoves, generators or other gasoline-powered machines outdoors. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly, so never use indoors.
• CLEAN EVERYTHING THAT GETS WET – Floodwaters have probably picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. Spoiled food and flooded medicines and cosmetics are health hazards. When in doubt, throw them away.
• DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE. You should call your electric service provider. The number to PECO is 1-800-841-4141; the number to PPL is 1-800-342-5775.
• MONITOR LOCAL WEATHER REPORTS on radio, television and the internet.
• CHECK ON ELDERLY NEIGHBORS and others that experience difficulty in caring for themselves or receiving or acting upon emergency instructions.
• Follow your local Department of Emergency Services on Facebook or Twitter
You can sign up for weather and other emergency alerts via Ready Notify PA, by going to
www.readynotifypa.org, and choosing the appropriate notifications that you would like to receive.
Emergency services’ Facebook and Twitter names.
FACEBOOK: Bucks County Govt
Chester County Department of Emergency Services
Delco Emergency Services
Montgomery County Department of Public Safety
Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management
Disaster Relief/Weather
American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter
The Salvation Army Philadelphia
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
TWITTER:
@BucksCountyGovt
@CCDES
@Delcodes
@MCpublicsafety
@PhilaOEM
@RedCrossPhilly
@SalArmyPhilly
@FEMA
@usNWSgov
@CDCEmergency
If you are an organization that is geographically isolated, contact your local municipality ASAP and give them information on your possible needs.
Please send this message out to others in your community. Let me know if you have any questions, and please stay safe over the next few days!
