Steps Taken Now Will Protect People, Infrastructure in Future

HARRISBURG – Warmer weather brings with it the threat of strong storms that could cause flooding across Pennsylvania, one of the most flood-prone states in the nation. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is urging municipalities and citizens to take steps now to protect themselves and their property from potential flood damage this spring and summer.

“Given that municipalities are responsible for local infrastructure, there are steps that officials can take to reduce the threat and impact of potential flooding,” said PEMA Director Robert P. French. “Citizens can also take an active role to protect themselves and their property by properly maintaining their homes and planning ahead.  All family members should know what to do if there is a threat of flooding or an actual flooding emergency.”

French said municipalities should perform pre-flood season inspections and remove debris around local bridges, culverts, and storm drains every spring. Clearing tree and brush debris from inlets helps water flow and reduces the potential for flooding.

Municipal officials should look for the following danger signs as they conduct inspections:

·        Debris that has collected under structures, or that blocks sewers and drains;

·        Roadway settlement;

·        Pavement or structures with visible cracks;

·        Tilting of substructure units; and

·        Significant erosion from embankments.

PEMA recommends that municipalities document inspections and debris removal by using date-stamped digital photos and detailed maintenance logs to show conditions prior to and after cleanup, and to demonstrate a commitment to regular maintenance of local infrastructure.

Residents should be aware of the risk of flooding in their area. Their municipal government office can provide information regarding whether or not a property is in a flood plain and the history of flooding in the region. In addition, residents should:

·        Learn the community’s flood-warning signs and alert signals;

·        Contact the local emergency management office for help planning an evacuation route and practice it often with all family members. Learn what radio stations to listen to for emergency information;

·        Develop an emergency communications plan that includes family or friends outside the region. (In an emergency, local communication systems often break down and out-of-town communication is easier.) Make sure all family members know the emergency contact’s name, address, and phone number;

·        Teach all family members how to respond to flooding and how to turn off gas, electricity, and water at the home; and

·        Teach children how to appropriately call 9-1-1for police and fire department assistance.

All residents living in an area that is affected by flash flooding should have an evacuation plan, as well as alternate routes mapped out in advance. Also, have disaster preparedness supplies on hand, including flashlights and extra batteries; portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; first aid kit and manual; emergency food and water; non-electric can opener; essential medicines/prescriptions; cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and sturdy shoes.

French also reminded Pennsylvanians that purchasing a flood insurance policy is one of the most important things people can to do in advance to help recover from flood damage. It is important to remember that flood insurance policies require 30 days to take effect after purchase. While wind damage is covered by most homeowner’s or business insurance policies, damage caused by flooding is not. Policies are available for homes, businesses, and municipal property.

Additional flood safety information, debris management guidance and weather updates can be found by clicking “PEMA Fact Sheets” section of www.PEMA.state.pa.us.

The following information explains what is needed by you and your family to be prepared if an emergency such as a major storm, power outage, hazardous material incident or even a terrorist attack occurs in your community. The actions represent procedures developed by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) as required by provisions of the U.S. Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 and to meet recommendations established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as presented through the Ready Region campaign with the theme, “Ready. Or Not?”

The time to plan for an emergency is before it happens, not after it occurs. Planning and knowing what to do will make it easier for you and your family if an emergency occurs. Know what to have in your head, in your home and on hand. “Ready. Or Not?” recommends families prepare their own emergency plans and establish preset meeting places and contact strategies in case such matters become necessary. Be ready to shelter in place. Be ready to evacuate.

A detailed plan has been prepared by Thornbury Township and Delaware County to help ensure a safe and coordinated public response to both a natural disaster or man-made emergency. It is important to respond quickly but calmly when notified that protective actions are to be taken.

Emergency preparedness information is important. Please read and refer to it when necessary. The information should be made familiar to all members of the family or household.

Board of Supervisors
Thornbury Township

 *****

 Protective Actions

During an emergency, Thornbury Township and Delaware County officials, Pennsylvania State Police, emergency response, medical personnel, and community officials will help to ensure your safety.       

Tune In

For accurate information and instructions, tune in to the following media outlets:

• KYW  (1060 AM)
• a local news broadcast
• a local cable station for the Emergency Alerting System

Evacuate or Shelter-In-Place?

Emergency personnel will instruct the community to either evacuate the area or remain indoors—Shelter-In-Place.

As a protective action, an evacuation will allow residents to travel away from danger. It is best to Shelter-In-Place in the majority of emergencies.

Residents who have special transportation needs should make arrangements with neighbors or inform their local emergency personnel as a means of planning.

REMINDER:  In Thornbury Township, Delaware County, DIAL 9-1-1 to report an emergency which requires the immediate response of police, fire, or emergency medical services. For further information, contact your local officials, police or fire department, or Delaware County Emergency Services, 360 North Middletown Road, Media, PA  19063.  (610) 565-8700.

For more information about what to do during an emergency, visit www.readyregion.org.

What to have in your head: Your Emergency Plan

• Talk with your family about emergencies; what to do, how to find each other, and how to stay in contact during an emergency. Be ready to Shelter in Place for at least 72 hours. If officials tell you, be ready to evacuate.
• Decide on two places where household members should meet after an emergency—one right outside or close to your home, and one outside your neighborhood.
• Practice getting out of your home using different doors. Practice getting to your meeting places.
• Ask a friend or relative who lives out of state to be your family’s emergency contact. If phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make.
• Plan for everyone in your family—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and non-English speakers.
• Give everyone in your house a copy of your emergency plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

Twice a year:

• Change your smoke alarm batteries
• Make sure your emergency plan and emergency contact information are correct.
• Check that the food and batteries in your kits are still good.

Shelter In Place Information: What to have in your home: Be ready to Shelter in Place If officials tell you to Shelter In Place, you must stay indoors. Put together a Shelter in Place kit. Include enough supplies for at least three days, in case you cannot leave your home. How to Shelter in Place: Stay calm and go indoors immediately. Go to a room with few doors or windows. Ideally, the room should be above street level, allow room for everyone in your family, have access to water and bathroom facilities, and have a phone jack. Close and lock all windows and doors, and close fireplace dampers. Only seal doors and windows when told to do so by emergency officials. If instructed, cover cracks along doors and windows with tape, wet rags, or towels. Turn off all heating and cooling systems such as air conditioners and window exhaust fans, if instructed. Listen to KYW 1060 AM radio for updates. Keep your pets with you. If you have a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 to let the Police and Fire Departments know you need special help. Keep your phone line available for emergency calls. Items for your Shelter in Place Kit Three gallons of drinking water per person Food that will not perish easily; ready-to-eat foods Manual can opener and eating utensils (forks, spoons, knives, plates, cups) Plastic sheeting to cover windows; scissors and duct tape First-aid kit Flashlight and extra batteries Battery-operated radio and extra batteries (You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries.) A whistle to signal for help Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach and an eyedropper. (Disinfect water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials. To disinfect water with bleach, add 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water.) Personal care items: soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, feminine products, toilet paper and wipes Phone that does not need electricity (just plugs into a phone jack) Child care supplies or other special care items   Officials will notify you on KYW 1060 AM when the emergency is over. Only then should you open all doors and windows to let fresh air into your home.

Be Ready to Evacuate Information: What to have in your hand Be Ready to Evacuate If officials tell you to evacuate, you must leave. Here is what you need to do: Stay calm. Do exactly what officials tell you to do. If there is time, secure your home. Close and lock windows and doors. Unplug appliances before you leave. Officials will tell you if you need to turn off utilities. Let friends and relatives know where you are going. Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Grab your Go Bag (See Below) Do NOT use an elevator during a fire or other emergency. Stay tuned to KYW 1060 AM for the latest evacuation routes and other information. Get to the nearest shelter or safe place as soon as you can. Whether officials tell you to Shelter in Place or Evacuate will depend upon the conditions expected in your area. If you do not receive specific instructions to evacuate, you should Shelter in Place. Make special arrangements for pets if evacuating to a public shelter since only service animals are accepted in shelters. Grab your Family GO BAG Prepare a Go Bag for your household – things you’ll need if officials tell you to evacuate. Your Go Bag should be easy to carry – a backpack or small suitcase on wheels. Keep your Go Bag in a place where you can get to it easily, in case you have to leave in a hurry. Items for your Go Bag: Copies of your important documents, such as insurance cards, photo IDs, birth certificates, deeds, and proof of address, in a waterproof and portable container Extra set of car and house keys Credit and ATM cards Cash, especially in small bills like ones, fives and tens. Bottled water and food that will not easily perish, such as energy or granola bars Flashlight and extra batteries Battery-operated radio and extra batteries (You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries.) Medication: be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Also keep copies of all prescriptions, and your doctors’ and pharmacist’s contact information. First-aid kit Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight raingear, and a mylar blanket Contact and meeting place information for your household. A small regional map Personal care items: hand sanitizer, feminine products, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wipes Child care supplies or other special care items

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT TO DO DURING AN EMERGENCY, PICK UP A COPY OF : 

Are you Ready?

At Thornbury Township Building, 6 Township Drive, Cheyney

- OR –

Visit www.readyregion.org