Press Release
Storm Prepartion Information

Preparation can help make Hurricane Sandy’s anticipated punch less powerful

Exton With Hurricane Sandy expected to bring heavy rain and damaging wind to communities throughout the 6th District in the coming days, residents should be prepared for what forecasters have called an historic storm.

This is a powerful storm that could cause flooding, knock out power and topple trees making travel difficult across nearly all of Pennsylvania. The storm is expected to move slowly and the effects could be felt for days. So it’s extremely important to prepare for some challenging conditions.

If you have an emergency and need immediate help, please call 911. Emergency management officials ask that residents do not to call 911 to check road conditions or get weather updates.

NOAA will be providing updates at its Storm Central website.

FEMA recommends a basic safety kit that includes:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

If residents are ordered by local officials to evacuate, they should do so without hesitating and should take important documents with them, including:

  • Checkbooks
  • Driver's license
  • Credit card information
  • Birth certificates
  • Social Security cards
  • Other forms and documents proving ownership/identity

County Emergency Management Agencies

Berks – www.co.berks.pa.us/ema

Chester -- www.chesco.org/des or visit the Chester County Department of Emergency Services facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/CCDES

Montgomery -- To receive emergency text messages with real time public safety updates, instructions and other important information, please go to https://montco.alertpa.org/. You can also get information on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/MontgomeryCountyPApublicsafety and Twitter at @MCpublicsafety

Lebanon – www.lebanonema.org

Information for Public Utilities

FirstEnergy -- Customers who are without power are encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the “Report Outage” link on www.firstenergycorp.com via smartphone.

PECO -- Customers without power should contact the company 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.

PPL -- Customers experiencing outages are asked to report them at
1-800-342-5775 (1-800-DIAL PPL) or through the online Outage Center at www.pplelectric.com/outagecenter. When prompted, customers reporting by phone should press 1 for “Power Problem.” The Outage Center also is available on smart phones or other mobile devices.

Emergency Shelters

Montgomery County

  • Pottstown High School, 750 North Washington St., Pottstown 19464 (Opens Sunday 7pm)
  • Cheltenham High School, 500 Rices Mill Road, Wyncote 19095 (Opens Sunday 7pm)
  • Norristown High School, 1900 Eagle Dr., Norristown 19403 (Opens Sunday 7pm)

Chester County

  • Avon Grove High School, 257 E. State Road, West Grove 19390 (Opens Sunday 7pm)
  • Lionville Middle School, 550 W. Uwchlan, Avenue Exton 19341 (Opens Sunday 7pm)

Don't forget about your pets

The ASPCA offers the following tips on emergency preparedness for pet owners:

  • Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
  • Make sure all pets wear collars and ID tags with up-to-date identification. The ASPCA also recommends micro-chipping your pet as a more permanent form of I.D.
  • Obtain a rescue alert sticker, which will let rescuers know that pets are inside your home.
  • Keep a pet emergency kit and supplies handy with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies.
  • Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.
  • Choose a designated caregiver who can take care of your pet in the event you are unable.

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