| The Members of Wagontown Fire Company are preparing for the next round of snow as Winter Storm Toby begins to impact the region. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch are expected. In addition, north to northeast winds will gust 25 to 40 mph at times. The potential for power outages and downed trees/power lines is increased with this type of storm event. Please stay updated with the latest weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Snow Emergency Declarations have been declared for West Brandywine and West Caln Townships. These will be in effect from today at 06:00 and expire Friday, March 23, 2018 at 16:00.
If there is a need for a warming center, West Brandywine will open the West Brandywine township building on Lafayette Rd.
FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors.
• Do not use candles to light your home if you lost power. Flashlights are a safer option.
• Call 9-1-1 if you smell any electrical burning smells in your home, which can sometimes occur after power surges during these types of storm events.
• Always assume power lines are live. This applies to power lines on utility poles as well as those entering your home or buildings. Even momentary contact can injure or kill.
• Always keep yourself, your equipment and anything you carry at least 10 feet from power lines. Even though you may notice a covering on a line, NEVER assume it is safe to touch. Stay Away, Stay Alive!
HOW TO REPORT A PECO GAS/ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY
If at any time you smell natural gas, see downed power lines on fire or arching, or suspect an unsafe electric or natural gas condition; please leave the area immediately and then call 9-1-1. Call PECO at 1-800-841-4141 to tell them your power is out, don't call 9-1-1 for power outages only, This is not an emergency.
ARE YOU USING A GENERATOR TO POWER YOUR HOUSE?
• Generators should be operated in well ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can't enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer's instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
• Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.
IMPORTANT WEBSITES
West Caln Township - http://www.westcaln.org
West Brandywine Township - http://www.wbrandywine.org
Chester County - http://www.chesco.org
Ready Region - http://www.readynotifypa.org/
Weather Channel - http://www.weather.com
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - http://www.fema.gov
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) - http://www.pema.state.pa.us
American Red Cross – Eastern Pennsylvania Region - http://www.redcross-philly.org |
