The tables and chairs in Clark Park have been lashed down in preparation for Sandy.
As Hurricane Sandy approaches, we will keep up with closures and changes in city services. Also, West Philly has lots of big, old trees so power outages are typical during big storms. After the news briefs we have a hurricane prep list and emergency phone numbers. If you have any news to report or any additional safety tips, leave a comment below, let us know on Twitter at @westphillylocal or drop us an e-mail at editor@westphillylocal.com. Stay safe everyone.
Here are some Sandy-related news briefs.
• The Streets Department writes on their Facebook page:
“Due to high winds and severe rainfall that is expected, there will be no trash and recycling collections on Monday, October 29. Residents whose trash day is on Monday are urged to keep their collections indoors to prevent loose items from blowing throughout the streets. Monday collections will resume on Monday, November 5.”
• Public schools will be closed on Monday.
• Free Library system will be closed on Monday.
• If you are concerned about someone living on the street, call Project Home at 215-232-1984, the Homeless Outreach Hotline. Teams are helping now.
• SEPTA will suspend service at 12:30 a.m.
• The Philadelphia Parking Authority announced that meter and kiosk parking would be free through Wednesday.
• Police are asking residents to only dial 911 for emergencies. Dial 311 for questions about city services.
• West Philadelphia High School will open at 4 p.m. today as an emergency shelter.
• The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University cancelled classes on Monday and Tuesday.
Here is a hurricane prep list that was sent to us by a neighbor during Tropical Storm Irene last year:
1. Batteries for a radio and flashlights.
2. Bring in backyard items.
3. Non-perishable food. I am also cooking a dish or two and freezing them. If the power goes out I will let them thaw and heat them in a chaffing dish. I am going to buy a bag of ice before the storm to put in the freezer to extend the cooling time.
4. Some bottled water, you most likely won’t need it. Sometimes water treatment can
get overwhelmed and you need potable water. Sometimes flooding breaks water mains.
5. Charge your cell phones. Your laptops. Toothbrush:) etc.
6. Put gas in your car for emergencies.
7. Buy a sheet of plastic to protect the floor if there are leaks. Try to prevent
leaks before they happen.
8. Bring in pets.
Some important numbers:
PECO Energy Customer Service: 1-800-494-400
PECO Energy Emergency Hotline: 1-800-841-4141
Philadelphia Water Department (PWD): 215-685-6300
Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW): 215-235-1212
October 28th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Where did you get the SEPTA info from? There’s nothing on their site…
October 28th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
“Suspending our service in the face of an unprecedented storm is in the best interest of the safety of our customers and employees,” said Joseph M. Casey, SEPTA’s general manager. “This will also protect our vehicles and infrastructure from damage and allow us to return to service as soon as possible.”
SEPTA is not good at updating its site.
October 28th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
I heard the info abt SEPTA on KYW radio 1060AM.
October 28th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Thank you for collecting this information and advice!
October 28th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
I fill gallon-sized plastic milk jugs with water and freeze them. When the power goes, you have an ice box. Those frozen jugs take forever to melt, even at room temperature.