UPDATE: Chester Hurricane Evacuation Orders

PECO GAS SHUTDOWN FOR AREA RESIDENTS

PECO Electric and Gas Co. is currently shutting down utilities services to the residences affected by evacuation in the 500 and 600 block of 13^th Street in Chester City.  Services are shut down as a safety precaution.  Chester City officials add that all citizens treat any and all downed wires as live hazards; Keep away from them. 

No Trash Collection

Residents should also be aware that there will be no trash collection for October 29^th or 30^th and suggest that all trash receptacles be places close to the home, if citizens have not already done so. Those who have not evacuated their homes should beware of structurally compromised trees on their properties, which will undergo hours of ground moisture possibly leading to uprooting and subsequent obstruction.  

Traffic Update

The Delaware River Port Authority is prohibiting all trucks, trailers, semi rigs, campers, buses, and motorcycles from all area bridges.

Personal Safety Tips

  

City emergency management personnel suggest that anyone with a cellular phone keep them charging up as a preventative measure.  In case of power outages, keep a flashlight on hand. The Delaware County Animal Response Team will handle pet evacuations for pet owners who require evacuation to the area shelter site at Showalter School. Pets will be housed at a separate location.  

Those with storm related questions call 610-447-7784 

If you have an emergency call 911

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Hon. Mayor John A. Linder is urging all non-emergency personnel to keep off of area roadways for the duration of the storm. Road conditions are considered extremely hazardous and expected to worsen closer to 9PM, the estimated hour of landfall for the tri-state area. Any roadway civilian rescues will inhibit critical emergency response operations. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Chester Creek and residents in this area may be relocated to area shelters via Emergency Operations personnel.

  

Additionally, the Chester City Special Council Meeting called for Tuesday, October 30^th is cancelled. Those with storm related questions and concerns, emergency assistance needs, and reports are encouraged to call the Chester City Emergency Operations Center at 610.447.7784.

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BY ORDER OF THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR AND UNDER AUTHORITY GRANTED BY THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

All persons are ORDERED to evacuate:

1400 Blocks of Kerlin Street & 1300 Block of Parker Streets

600 Block of West 13^th & 14^th Streets until the current emergency has ended.  All persons are directed to leave for your safety.

Shelter may be sought at:  Showalter School

Starting at 9:00 am on October 29^th, 2012 at 10^th and Lloyd Streets.

All persons who chose to stay shall do so at their own risks, accepting full responsibility for their safety and well being.  You are hereby advised that PECO will be in your area on Monday for gas and electric shut off.  Utilities are shut off to help prevent incidents such as fires from electrical shorts or water in the gas line which can affect the safe performance of gas supplied equipment.  In addition, high water levels will impede emergency response personnel getting to you to render aid.

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Residents of Parker Manor

A State of Emergency has been declared for the City of Chester and an emergency evacuation has been ordered for this area. You are asked leave the area until this emergency has been cleared.  The impact of the pending storm will determine how long you will need to be out of your home.

You have an option to make arrangements to stay with family or friends where you will certainly be more comfortable for the duration of this emergency.

A temporary emergency shelter has been set up at Showalter School for those with no other place to relocate during this storm and the shelter should be considered a last resort since it is not possible to provide for any specific accommodations of your needs.

Family pets will not be allowed to stay at the shelter and emergency services will not be able to care for any pets left behind during and after the emergency.  Delaware County in conjunction with Chester Animal control will provide a temporary animal shelter for those staying at Showalter School.

Should you choose to remain in your home, it is at your own risk as emergency responders may not able to reach you in a timely manner. Once the storm begins and until the emergency is cleared, your utilities, Electric and Gas service will be turned off by PECO for safety starting at 9:00 AM on Monday.  Your vehicles should be moved to higher ground whether you stay in your home, stay with family or friends, or go to the shelter.  

Make sure you have clothing, necessary personal items, any medications or health care items, and your identification information with you before leaving your home.  

No one will be permitted in your area until the weather emergency is over and the area has been determined to be safe.

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AMERICAN RED CROSS TO DESIGNATE SHELTERS-ADDITIONAL REGIONAL SHELTER LOCATIONS

The following three (3) regional Red Cross shelters will open at 9 am on Monday October 29, 2012. 

-Showalter School, 10th & Lloyd Streets, Chester, PA 19013 

Alternate: To be determined 

-Ridley Middle School, 400 Free Street, Ridley Park, PA 19078. 

Alternate: To be determined 

The school district has also committed buses for transportation and use of their kitchen. 

-East Lansdowne Elementary School, Hirst & Emerson Aves. East Lansdowne, PA 19050 

Alternate: To be determined. 

Use of the gym and classrooms are authorized. 

-The Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road, Aston, PA 19014 will NOT be opened as a regional Red Cross shelter center at this time. It will be a municipal shelter site. 

-Darby will have a municipal shelter at their Community Center for Darby, Colwyn, & Collingdale Boroughs. 

-Trainer advised that their municipal shelter will be at the fire station. 

-Upper Chichester Twp advised that they will have a municipal shelter at the Upper Chichester Middle School for Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, and Marcus Hook. 

-Yeadon will be sending any displaced residents to the regional Red Cross shelter in East Lansdowne.