Before, During and After Irene

I'm about as far away from Parkesburg as you can get and still be on the east coast.

Enjoying a week with extended family on the beaches of North Caroline's outer banks, we totally escaped this week's earthquake, whose epicenter was 4 hours to the north of us.

We're not so lucky when it comes to the wonderful, woolly hurricane Irene.  She's due to barrel up the coast in the next 48 to 72 hours, raising in intensity as she chugs northward.

This morning Parkesburg's Fire Marshall Ray Stackhouse and Borough Council President Mel Keen put out the following guidelines we all should keep in mind to stay safe before, during and after Irene's wreaks her havoc.

BEFORE the storm:

• MONITOR STREAM AND URBAN STREET FLOODING – For those living in areas that are prone to localized flooding, closely watch small streams and low-lying areas for early flooding. Make sure street storm drains are cleared.

• Secure outside objects.  Hurricane force winds can make outdoor furniture into missiles.

• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water. 

• IF YOU EXPERIENCE A POWER OUTAGE be prepared with flashlights/ extra batteries/ lanterns, do not use candles

• Have several days supply of food, water and prescription medication for each family member.

• Register yourself or loved ones with the Special Needs Registry at www.specialneedspa.org if you or they have difficulty receiving or acting upon emergency instructions.

• Have an emergency kit for you and your pet in case you need to evacuate. 

• Sign up to receive free emergency alert information at www.readynotifypa.org or texting CHESCO to 411911.

DURING AND AFTER the storm:

• DO NOT WALK THROUGH FLOWING WATER – Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths.  Most of these drownings occur during flash floods.  Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, sweep away cars, tear out trees, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges.  Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet.  If you MUST walk through a flooded area, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there and solid, even where the water is not flowing.

• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED AREA – More people drown in their cars than anywhere else.  Cars can be swept away in just 2 feet of moving water.  Do not drive around road barriers.  They are there for a reason.  The road or bridge may be washed out or structurally unsound.  If your car becomes trapped in floodwaters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.  Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.  TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN

• AVOID POWER LINES AND ELECTRICAL WIRES – Electrocution is also a major killer in floods.  Electrical current can travel through water.  Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager. Always assume a downed wire is a live wire.  The number to PECO is 1-800-841-4141; the number to PPL is 1-800-342-5775.

• LOOK BEFORE YOU STEP – After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails.  Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.

• BE ALERT FOR GAS LEAKS – Do not turn on electric lights, but use a flashlight to inspect for damage. A spark from the light switch could cause an explosion or fire.   Do not smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out. 

• CARBON MONOXIDE EXHAUST KILLS – Only use camping stoves, generators or other gasoline-powered machines outdoors.  Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly, so never use indoors.

• CLEAN EVERYTHING THAT GETS WET – 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.

• Do NOT call 9-1-1 to report a power outage.  You should call your electric service provider.  The number to PECO is 1-800-841-4141; the number to PPL is 1-800-342-5775.

• Monitor local weather reports on radio, television and the internet. 
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• Check on elderly neighbors and others that experience difficulty in caring for themselves or receiving or acting upon emergency instructions.

•   Follow the Chester County Department of Emergency Services on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccdes and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccdes

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WARNINGS DEFINITIONS:

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane watch (HWA) is issued for a specified area for which a hurricane or a hurricane-related hazard is a possible threat within 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane warning (HUW) is issued when a hurricane with sustained winds of 74 mph (65 knots, 118 km/h) or higher is expected in a specified coastal area in 36 hours^[1] or less

Extreme Wind Warning

Extreme wind warnings are issued for land areas that are in the path of a landfalling category 3 or higher (major) hurricane that are expected to see 115 mph or greater winds, usually associated with the eyewall. (This warning type was created after Hurricane Katrina when several tornado warnings were issued due to the extreme winds, but no actual tornadoes occurred or were forecast to occur)

Flash flood watch means a flash flood is possible in the area, because conditions are more favorable than usual for its occurrence. A watch is a recommendation for planning, preparation, and increased awareness (be alert for changing weather, listen for further information, and think about what to do if the danger materializes.)

Flash flood warning means a flash flood is imminent or occurring; take immediate action to protect life and property.

Urban and small stream advisory means to be alert regarding potential flooding of small streams, streets, urban storm drains, underpasses, and low lying areas.