National Weather Service predictions indicate that Hurricane Irene could have a severe impact on Chester County over the coming weekend. Although exact models still have a 200-mile cone of uncertainty, the county is gearing up for a large amount of rainfall – five inches, possibly more – and high winds.
Chester County’s department of emergency services is in close coordination with the National Weather Service, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), municipal officials and surrounding counties to ensure staff members and emergency service employees and volunteers are ready to respond to citizens’ needs and assess damage from the storm.
According to department of emergency services officials, flooding in low lying areas and widespread power outages are the most anticipated challenges. Swift water rescue teams throughout the county have been placed on standby. Utility providers, hospitals, care homes, schools, shelters, dam operators and volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army have all been contacted to assess preparedness efforts and to coordinate communications.
Chester County Commissioners Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone and Ryan Costello call upon individuals, families and businesses to also prepare for the potential impact of the hurricane. The commissioners ask that residents do not call 9-1-1 to report a power outage, but instead call their electric service provider – PECO 1-800-841-4141 or PPL – 1-800-342-5775. Reiterating advice found on the County’s website, www.chesco.org, the commissioners cite the following checklist to prepare for the storm and its aftermath:
- Listen to local media for information about the weather and any emergency instructions that may be issued.
- Do not travel during the storm if at all possible.
- Never drive through, or walk through flooded areas and stay away from moving flood waters. If you come to a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.
- Be prepared with flashlights and extra batteries. Do not use candles.
- Check prescriptions for family members
- Have at least three days of food and fresh water.
- Clean everything that gets wet in a flood. 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.
- Continually monitor the Department of Emergency Services’ website – www.chesco.org/des and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ccdes.
Chester County is the first county in Pennsylvania to initiate a strategic planning process and has a Aaa rating on its bonds from Moody’s Investors Service as well as AAA ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. Established by William Penn as one of Pennsylvania’s three original counties, Chester County has been named by Forbes.com as one of America’s best places to raise a family and is ranked the healthiest county in Pennsylvania by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
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