In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the Berwyn Fire Company is urging residents to stay home and off the roads today. Fire, Police, EMS, Public Works and PECO personnel continue to respond to incidents across the area, with many of these involving downed power lines.

The Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships Public Works Departments are working to remove debris on roadways as quickly and safely as possible. However, until PECO can de-energize power lines that are entangled in trees they can't be moved. You can anticipate based on the volume of issues in the region that it will take at least 24-48 hours or more to get your power turned back on.

If you see caution tape, road barricades and/or flares blocking a roadway or area, DO NOT move or go past these items. These items are in place for your safety.

HOW TO REPORT A TREE DOWN/DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY

Tredyffrin Township Public Works Department - 610-408-3620
Easttown Township - 610-687-3000

HOW TO REPORT A PECO GAS/ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY

If at any time you smell natural gas, see downed power lines on fire or arching, 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. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 to tell them your power is out. This is not an emergency.

ARE YOU USING A GENERATOR TO POWER YOUR HOUSE?

• Generators should be operated in well ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can't enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer's instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
• Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.

FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS POST-HURRICANE

• Make sure you have working smoke detectors.
• Do not use candles to light your home if you lost power. Flashlights are a safer option.
• Call 9-1-1 if you smell any electrical burning smells in your home, which can sometimes occur after power surges during these types of storm events.
• Always assume power lines are live. This applies to power lines on utility poles as well as those entering your home or buildings. Even momentary contact can injure or kill.
• Always keep yourself, your equipment and anything you carry at least 10 feet from power lines. Even though you may notice a covering on a line, NEVER assume it is safe to touch. Stay Away, Stay Alive.

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

The Berwyn Fire Company has responded to over 30 Fire/EMS incidents since 10 a.m. yesterday, including a house fire in Easttown Township. The fire company will stay staffed with additional personnel throughout the day and overnight during the recovery/clean-up effort. A complete summary of this storm event will be posted in the coming days.