Delco Officials: Prepared for Difficult 24 Hours with Irene

Delaware County officials urged all county residents to stay indoors from 7 p.m. Saturday until noon Sunday unless otherwise directed.

"We expect that the next 24 hours are going to be difficult here in Delaware County," County Council President Jack Whelan said at a press conference held Saturday afternoon. "However, we are prepared to deal with the situation."

Whelan said the county is prepared to deal with any storm-related situation that hits the county and have been working with all 49 municipalities' emergency personnel officials.

Whelan encourage residents to sign up for Delco Alert, which gives immediate updates and information as it becomes available.

Sign up by going to the county website ordelco.alertpa.org.

County Solicitor John McBlain said representatives from PECO, PennDOT, American Red Cross and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) as well as fire officials will be at the emergency center along with the county’s staff throughout the storm.

McBlain said the county conferred with PEMA Saturday afternoon along with other emergency management officials from across the state. 

"The advice we received is that in Delaware County we will receive approximately 8 to 10 inches of rain during this span. We will receive 40 mph winds with gust of up to 50 or 60 mph and there’s a 30 percent chance that Delaware County will experience sustained wind gusts of 60 mph plus, over that period of time," he said. "PEMA officials described that we will have the highest and most sustained wind gusts that we have experienced in this area since Hurricane Hazel in 1954."

McBlain said the county can expect tidal flooding along the Delaware River with high tide coming after midnight and in addition to the new moon that is occurring now and will make the tide surges a bit higher.

"The heaviest impact in this region will be from 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday.," he said. "But even if it stops raining we will continue with the winds and individuals should continue to stay inside because flooding will occur during the storm but will continue after the rain has stopped. So we don’t want people to get a false sense of security."

PennDot will assist with state highways and local municipalities and roadways, McBlain said, and Delaware County has requested the National Guard be on stand by assistance if it is necessary.

Delaware County District Attorney Michael Green offered a few safety tips and concerns to residents, as well. 

• Before the brunt of the storm hits remember to charge cell phones, since power loss is likely.
• If you have gas powered generators, set them up outside of the dwelling. Even putting it in a partially covered area is not enough to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and possible death. They are built to be used in wet weather and will work properly in heavy rain.
• Battery powered flashlights are preferred over using candles especially if there are children in the home. Keep an eye on the candles if you do use them.
• Downed Power Lines. If you see a downed power line call 911. There will be a PECO representative at the county 911 center. Do not approach a downed power line.
• Shelter in Place. Stay inside unless officials request that you evacuate. If an evacuation as been issued then stay at the evacuation center until otherwise directed.
• Flooding. After the heavy rains stop there is an unrealistic perception that it's safe outside. That is not the case. Do not go across roadways or ground that is covered by water.
• Emergency Medicine. The county area hospitals are staffed and ready to take on any emergencies. Call 911 if someone is injured.