As Hurricane Sandy makes its way up the Atlantic it is important to take a moment to prepare and plan for damaging winds and flooding rain that could result from this storm. We have also included some safety tips from our colleagues at FEMA and the American Red Cross.

The Berwyn Fire Company is preparing for the storm to hit the area. All personnel and equipment will be ready for whatever the storm brings us.

The latest forecast is calling for 6-12" of rain and sustained winds of over 50 mph with gusts near 75 mph. The effects from this storm will begin late Sunday and continue into the middle of the week. Stay tuned to our website for updates over the next several days.

MAKE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

~ Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family, know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and winds.
~ Locate the safest place in your home for each hurricane hazard.
~ Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
~ Stock non-perishable disaster supplies and a Family Disaster Supply Kit.
~ Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowner's insurance.
~ Identify ahead of time where you could go if told to evacuate - keep handy the phone numbers of these places and a road map in case roads are clogged or closed.
~ Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster it is often easier to call long distance.
~ Plan how to take care of your pets.

PREPARE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

~ Water - one gallon of water per person per day for about 3 to 7 days
~ Food - enough for 3 to 7 days , canned food and can opener
~ First Aid Kit/ Medicine
~ Clothing - including rain gear and sturdy shoes.
~ Blankets/Pillows.
~ Flashlight and Batteries
~ Telephone - fully charged cell phone with extra battery
~ Radio - battery operated
~ Cash and credit cards
~ Important documents in waterproof container (insurance, deeds, medical records, social security card, bank account numbers)
~ Tools
~ Pet Care Items (proper identification, medical/immunization records, food and water, leash, carrier or cage)

FLOOD PRONE AREAS TO AVOID

These are some areas to avoid in Tredyffrin Township if you are on the road at any point during the storm. This is not an all inclusive list, but these are areas that usually will flood first during a major rain event. We strongly discourage your from traveling in this storm unless it is an emergency.

> Walker Rd. Trout Creek Bridge between Glenhardie Rd. & General McIntosh Rd.
> Richards Rd. between Glenhardie Rd. & Worthington Rd.
> Lancaster Ave. between Meadowbrook Rd. & Old Eagle School Rd.
> Old Eagle School Rd. Railroad Overpass between Wallace Dr. & Devon Park Dr.
> Anthony Wayne Dr. between Valley Forge Rd. & Sullivan Rd.
> Mill Rd. Park Bridge near Tredyffrin Township Building
> Rt. 252 in the area of the Valley Forge Park Covered Bridge
> Walker Rd. Trout Creek Bridge between West Valley Rd. & Anthony Wayne Dr.
> Thomas Rd. Trout Creek Bridge between Colonel Dewees Rd. & Park Ridge Dr.

DURING A FLOOD

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

~ Listen to the radio or television for information.
~ Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
~ Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

~ Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
~ Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

~ Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
~ Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
~ Most flood-related deaths occur at night and are vehicular.

DRIVING FLOOD FACTS

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

~ Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
~ A foot of water will float many vehicles.
~ Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups.
~ Do not drive through or past barricades, caution tape, cones or flares as they are meant to protect you. Find an alternative route!!!

FLOODED BASEMENT & SUMP PUMP INFORMATION

The Berwyn Fire Company DOES NOT pump out basements. However, we will secure the electric and gas to your home if we can safely do so in the event of rising water in your basement. If you have a sump pump in your basement make sure you have a battery back-up in place in the event there is a power outage.

Contact any of the following companies if your basement becomes flooded:

SERVPRO of the Main Line
602 Jeffers Circle, Suite 106
Exton, PA 19341
(610) 640-9533

SERVPRO of King of Prussia
550 George St.
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 337-3330

Superior Basement Water Pump Out
1500 Garret Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(484) 471-7260

Mr. Flood Emergency
(800) 590-1833

Philadelphia Flood Company
27 Osborn St.
Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 904-3642

GAS & ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES

If at any time you smell natural gas, see downed power lines, or suspect an unsafe electric or natural gas condition; please leave the area immediately and then call 9-1-1 and PECO at 1-800-841-4141.

Important Websites

Easttown Township – www.easttown.org
Tredyffrin Township – www.tredyffrin.org
Ready Region – www.readyregion.org
Weather Channel – www.weather.com
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – www.fema.gov
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) www.pema.state.pa.us
American Red Cross – Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter – www.redcross-philly.org

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Emergencies – 9-1-1
Easttown Township – (610) 687-3000
Tredyffrin Township – (610) 644-1400
PECO – (800) 841-4141