2007 News

April 15, 2007

Bucks Community Alert Network (CAN) and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Both Activated During Sunday Storm

With the Neshaminy Creek expected to crest tonight at 11 p.m., the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) this morning activated its Community Alert Network (CAN) to notify those potentially affected to take precautionary measures.  The county’s CAN system alerts residents across specific geographic areas with important phone messages during emergencies.  Today, 547 calls were made in a matter of minutes, allowing residents time to react accordingly.  Those notifications were made to homes along the Neshaminy in Northampton, Middletown, Hulmville, Bensalem and Bristol Township.

Bucks County EMA’s John Dougherty said from the EOC in Ivyland that the Neshaminy Creek passed its flood stage of 9 feet and will crest at approximately 14.5 feet tonight, while the Delaware River could reach 22.5 feet in Riegelsville, a half-foot above flood stage, by Tuesday morning.

Bucks County Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin notes that although any flooding is cause for some concern, the county’s elevation/buyout program along the Neshaminy has razed over 100 homes and elevated another 45, all in an effort to keep residents out of harms way during flooding. The program has proven successful for those residents during recent flooding episodes.

For more information on preparing your family for floods and other weather emergencies, visit www.buckscounty.org/readybucks.