State Rep Offers Storm Resource Info

State Representative Warren Kampf (R-PA157) has posted information you may want to have handy before, during and after Hurricane Irene's expected arrival on the Upper Main Line.

Information You’ll Need as the
 Storm Approaches

As Hurricane Irene approaches the Mid-Atlantic states this weekend, I want to share information on what to do in case of flooding. 

Hurricane Irene is expected to hit New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania as, at minimum, a tropical storm or Category 1 hurricane. Expect large amounts of rain (5-plus inches) and high winds that can damage property. Mobile homes, whether anchored or not, are especially vulnerable, and small craft in unprotected anchorages could break their moorings. Power outages can also be expected. 

Flooding is likely to occur on smaller streams and creeks in the area. It is important that you be prepared for potential flood conditions. Please review the information below and make sure that your family is prepared. 

First and Foremost, consult FEMA or Chester County or Montgomery County if you have any questions. Much of what we have listed below we obtained from these sites or from PECO. 

Your local municipalities have websites as well and may be a resource. Some or all of them may have email alert features which you can sign up for. They also have useful contact information. The websited are: 

www.tredyffrin.org
www.schuylkilltwp.com
www.phoenixville.org
www.lowerprovidence.org
www.westnorritontwp.org

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN A FLOOD SITUATION 

• Listen to local radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of 
flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service. 

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice with your supplies. (See list below.) 

• If a flash flood warning is issued for your area, move to higher ground and 
do not return until the area is declared safe. 

• Do not walk through flowing water. If you are caught in an automobile on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, leave the vehicle and move to higher ground. Cars can be swept away in just two feet of moving water. Do not drive around road barriers. 

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger. 


WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED 
• Water - at least a three-day supply; one gallon per person, per day. 

• Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food. 

• Flashlights and batteries. 

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio. 

• First aid kit. 

• Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, 
glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.). 

• Multi-purpose tool. 

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items. 

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, birth 
certificate and insurance policies). 

• Cell phone with chargers. 

• Family and emergency contact information. 

• Extra cash. 

• Extra blankets. 

• Map(s) of the area. 

• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food and diapers). 

• Extra clothing and sturdy shoes. 

• Rain gear. 

• Insect repellent and sunscreen. 

WHAT DO I DO AFTER A FLOOD?

 
• Return home only when officials have declared the area safe. 

• Before entering your home, check outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, 
foundation cracks or other damage. 

• If your home is partially damaged or collapsed, approach entrances carefully. Make sure 
that porch roofs and overhangs are still supported. 

• Be alert for wild animals. 

• If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call 
the fire department (also see PECO advice below). 

• If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in any puddles or standing water. 

• Make sure food and perishable items are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with 
floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, medications, cosmetics, plastic utensils 
and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out! 

• Do not use potentially contaminated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, 
wash hands, make ice or make baby formula. 


ADVICE FROM PECO 

• Customers without power should contact PECO at 1-800-841-4141. The more customers who call to report an outage, the more effectively PECO can dispatch crews and restore service. The company's automated telephone system can quickly record your outage, allowing our Customer Care representatives to remain available to handle reports of dangerous situations. 

• Stay away from downed wires, damaged electric equipment, and tree limbs and branches contacting electrical equipment. Always assume PECO's equipment is energized – even if there is an outage in your neighborhood. Report these dangerous conditions to PECO immediately. 

• Turn off and unplug appliances and other devices to prevent possible damage. Remember to keep one light on so you know when service has been restored. 

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Move meats, cheese, milk, etc. into the freezer to stay colder longer. A partially full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 24 hours, and up to 48 hours when full. 

• PECO Customers with generators should never connect them directly to home wiring or plug them into household outlets. Generators connected to home wiring can 'backfeed' into PECO's electric delivery system, risking serious injury or death to PECO crews. Generators should always be placed outside to prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning. 



I hope this information has been helpful. 

Stay safe!