Hurricane Sandy

 

While the exact location and intensity of Hurricane Sandy at landfall remains unknown, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) have urged Pennsylvania residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, to use this time to prepare for the impact of the storm.
 
This web page will provide you helpful information leading up to the storm and in the immediate aftermath.  
 
Important Websites and Phone Numbers
 
 
ReadyPA.org - 1-888-9-READYPA 
 
 
PECO - 1-800-841-4141
 
Met Ed - 1-888-544-4877
 
PPL - 1-800-342-5775
 
Southeastern PA Red Cross - 215-299-4000
 
 
 
 
From PEMA
 
Residents should always have enough provisions in their homes to last at least 72 hours because help from emergency responders may not be immediately available when severe weather strikes.  Other disaster preparedness supplies to have at the ready include:
  • 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.
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; and
  • Other forms and documents proving ownership/identity.

From FEMA

More information about what to do before, during and after a disaster can also be found visiting ready.gov and listo.gov. The FEMA mobile site (http://m.fema.gov), smartphone app (http://www.fema.gov/smartphone-app), and text messages (http://www.fema.gov/text-messages) also provide regular updates. Sharing information using social media tools is also a good way for residents to stay informed. Follow FEMA online at http://blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. 

From PECO
Customers should also prepare for possible storm damage:
 
  • Keep PECO's emergency telephone number (1-800-841-4141) handy.
  • Sign up for an online account with PECO and access www.peco.com from your mobile device to report outages and check system status.
  • Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
  • Have a battery powered clock and radio available.
If an outage occurs:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Customers with generators should never connect them directly to home wiring or plug them into household outlets. Generators connected to home wiring can 'back feed' 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.