Winter Storm Finn Impacts T-E Community
 
By NewsDesk
January 9, 2024
 

BERWYN, PA - As the rain and winds of Winter Storm Finn continue to impact the area, please review the following safety information.

At 10 p.m., PECO is reporting 3,500 customer outages in Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships. There are around 65 separate electrical incidents just in the T-E community.

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 you have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home.
• 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.

DOWNED POWER LINES & POWER OUTAGE INFORMATION

If at any time you see downed power lines on fire or arching, or suspect an unsafe electric condition; please avoid 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.

DEBRIS OR TREES BLOCKING THE ROADWAY

If you see any remaining trees or debris impeding roadways, please contact Tredyffrin Township at 610-408-3620 or Easttown at 610-687-3000.

FLOOD SAFETY

If you can't see the road in front of you due to flooding conditions, "Turn around, don't drown!" You need to seek high ground and wait to drive your car, or you will risk getting trapped in swift water. It only takes 6 inches of swift moving water to knock you off of your feet. 12 inches of moving water can sweep your vehicle off of the road. The impact of floodwaters are often underestimated by motorists and pedestrians.

GENERAL POST STORM SAFETY TIPS

• Do not pass barricades, traffic cones, flares or caution tape. Seek an alternative route of travel.
• 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 - http://www.easttown.org
Tredyffrin Township - http://www.tredyffrin.org
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
https://www.tesd.net
Chester County - http://www.chesco.org
Weather Channel - http://www.weather.com
PECO
https://www.peco.com