Text Size: A A A

Horsham Township Declares Disaster Emergency

Posted: 10/29/2012 3:09 PM

Weather Emergency Information

Horsham Township is anticipating record amounts of rainfall, high winds, and flooding conditions within the Township due to impending weather conditions from Hurricane Sandy.

Local areas that commonly flood and low-lying areas will most likely experience flooding. Residents should monitor floodwaters and waterways near their homes. As floodwaters rise, it may become necessary to leave your home for higher ground. Emergency crews will be working to meet all emergency needs and may be actively engaged, and we encourage all residents who have not left their homes, to consider leaving on their own if you are able to safely do so, before it becomes necessary to have emergency crews evacuate an area.

The following is a list of information that you may want to print out and keep with you in case of a power outage:

Emergency - If you have a true emergency that requires police, fire or EMS, please call 911.

Non-emergency – For any non-emergency issues, residents are urged to call the Horsham Township Police at (215) 643-8284.

Power Outages - In the event of a power outage, please call PECO at 1-800-841-4141. Reporting gas and electric outages to this number assures that the specific address is added to the database which is used to determine which locations will be prioritized for repair crew response.

Roadways - If you do not have to go out, please stay inside during the storm. If you are out in the storm, do not drive into flood waters or standing pools of water.   Watch for debris, downed trees and limbs and utility lines, which could be live.   If you encounter a flooded roadway, do not attempt to drive through it, please find an alternate route.  Also, it is now illegal for drivers to go around a traffic control device that indicates a road closure due to hazardous conditions. 

Township Information – As part of the Township’s efforts to inform our residents, we will be utilizing the township website.  For emergency information or updates, please visit the Horsham Township website at www.horsham.org.  Also check the Horsham Township Cable Channel’s 22 (Comcast) or Channel 32 (Verizon). The Township will be closely monitoring the situation throughout the storm and will provide updates as necessary.   Be sure to watch the local news stations

Carbon Monoxide – Carbon Monoxide poisonings is one of the biggest sources of injury or death following a major storm due to the use of gasoline powered generators and other tools, such as power washers, that are not properly ventilated.  Also, do not use charcoal grills indoors. 

Ready Notify PA - In order to receive up-to-date information via your cell phone or email, please sign up with the Montgomery County Ready Notify PA by visiting http://www.readynotifypa.org/.

Emergency Shelters in Montgomery County

The Red Cross is preparing three emergency shelters for Montgomery County residents that may need to evacuate due to Hurricane Sandy.  Unless otherwise noted, all are pet friendly.

Pottstown High School
750 North Washington St., Pottstown 19464 (full time veterinarian on site)

Cheltenham High School
500 Rices Mill Road, Wyncote 19095 (full time veterinarian on-site)

Norristown High School
1900 Eagle Dr., Norristown 19403

The Red Cross asks that you bring the following items to a shelter:

• Prescription and emergency medication
• Extra clothing
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Hygiene supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Small board games
• Books for entertainment
• Specialty snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions
• Basic snacks
• Baby food, formula and diapers
• Beach chair or camp chair
• Identification and insurance papers

Please note:  Horsham Township does not have generators or dry ice available for the public in the event of a power outage.