2010 News

March 12 , 2010

With Flooding Likely This Weekend, Bucks Emergency Management Agency Urges Residents to Be Prepared, Stay Informed
2010 Weather Emergency Preparedness Week Punctuates Effort

Just as the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) prepares to remind residents of the importance of individual, family and business preparedness in observance of 2010 Weather Emergency Preparedness Week (March 13-20), Mother Nature provides a realistic backdrop. The area is expecting up to five inches of rain this weekend, and that could create minor to moderate flooding along creeks such as the Neshaminy, as well as for those along the Delaware River.  The EMA has already been in touch with many local municipalities to plan for the impending storm.

The National Weather Service provides these definitions:

• Minor Flooding - minimal or no property damage, but possibly some public threat or inconvenience
• Moderate Flooding - some inundation of structures and roads near streams. Some evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations are necessary.
• Major Flooding - extensive inundation of structures and roads. Significant evacuations of people and/or transfer of property to higher elevations.

County EMA Director John Dougherty says there are two areas of concern for Bucks County. The first is the Neshaminy Creek, where dozens of homes have been elevated over recent years as a result of past flooding. Dougherty emphasizes that those residents still may need to move their cars and other property that may be affected.  

Dougherty’s other concern is for those 17 municipalities along the Delaware River:

“We all have memories of the destruction flooding can bring upon us,” Dougherty recalls. “It is critical that now and during any emergency, residents listen for information and instructions from the county or their locality.”

There are simple ways that citizens can prepare for emergencies.  “When it is in the midst of occurring, it is too late,” Dougherty notes. “We all have our part in preparation and response – and we ask members of the public to do their part. That means preparing to be in your home for an extended period of time, perhaps without power, as well as being ready to evacuation if experts deem that the safest option.”

Get a kit, make a plan, and be informed

Get a kit: The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) “Ready” campaign and the American Red Cross recommend that individuals and families use the following list as a guide to make a “go bag” in case an evacuation is recommended. Each family is different, so tailor it to your needs.

• Flashlight
• Radio – battery operated
• Batteries
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Pocket knife
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
• Local map
• Some water and food
• Permanent marker, paper and tape
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• List of emergency point-of-contact phone numbers
• List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• A list of prescription medications and some first aid supplies
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Any special-needs items for infant, children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a go-bag for your pets

Make a Plan:
Designate an out-of-area contact person. Try to select someone that is far enough away to not be affected by the same emergency. Provide this person with the names and contact information of the people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to call this person and tell them where they are. Long distance phone service is often restored sooner than local service.
Duplicate important documents and keep copies off-site, either in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. Documents may include: passport, drivers license, social security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, marriage license and prescriptions.
Inventory valuables, in writing and with photographs or video. Keep copies of this information off-site with your other important documents.
Make a family communications plan. Involve all key people in planning. (http://www.buckscounty.org/government/ReadyBucks/pdf/familycommunicationsplan.pdf)
Make your home safe. Put together a disaster supply kit. Plan to have supplies for yourself and your family for at least three days following a disaster.
When planning, consider the special needs of children, seniors, people with disabilities, family members that don’t speak English and pets.

Be Informed: Register now for www.ReadyNotifyPA.org, a community alert system for the five-county region that sends alerts to cell phones and e-mail. ReadyNotifyPA is a service of the Southeastern PA Regional Task Force. Alerts are free but depending on your service, text messaging fees may apply.

A last word to the wise from Dougherty:  “If a police officer or other emergency management official asks you to evacuate your home, it is for a very good reason – your safety is in danger.  Please cooperate with these officials – we are here to help you.”

For more preparedness tips, go to www.ReadyPA.org. Not only is there valuable information there for individuals and families, but also businesses as well.