March 12, 2010
For Immediate Release:
The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the possibility of flooding in the Philadelphia area this weekend.
According to the National Weather Service, 2-4 inches of rain is expected beginning Friday night with the heaviest rain on Saturday. The rain is forecasted to end Sunday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire Delaware Valley based on this forecast.
Small streams would flood first, with the possibility of flooding on the larger rivers as well. Some tidal flooding on the Delaware River is also possible.
If you are driving and encounter flood waters or standing water, do not attempt to drive your vehicle through the water. Try to find an alternate route or wait until the water recedes.
Before coastal or flash flooding occurs, the Office of Emergency Management recommends the following preparation tips:
Sign up for ReadyNotifyPA, the region’s emergency text and email alert system, by logging on to www.readynotifypa.org.
Know your area’s flood risk. To estimate your flood risk and flood insurance premium, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables.
Fill out an Emergency Plan Card containing important emergency information and contacts for you and your family. A template can be found at www.phila.gov/ready.
If you live in a flood-susceptible area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.
Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner’s policy. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
If your home is susceptible to basement flooding you should:
If possible, seal any floor drains in your basement, as they are the lowest points of entry of sewer backup.
Do not store anything of value in your basement. If you have time before the next heavy rainfall, relocate your valuables prior to flooding.
To prevent sewer blockages never pour grease, paint or other thick liquids into sinks or drains. Avoid flushing items that are not suitable for sanitary sewer disposal such as paper towels, diaper wipes, contraceptive and feminine products.
Verify with your insurance company if you have flood and sewer backup coverage, especially if your basement is finished. This will usually require a separate rider to your policy.
Never enter a flooded basement – the risk of electrocution is present. Wait for the water to subside.
For information about Flood Insurance or further Flood Preparation Tips, visit the Floods page of the Office of Emergency Management’s web site at www.phila.gov/ready or call 3-1-1.
When you change your clocks this weekend, remember to check your stock of emergency supply items in your household emergency kits and “Go Bags” to make sure your supplies of water, food, and batteries have not reach their expiration dates. For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit www.phila.gov/ready.
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Contact: Joan Przybylowicz, 215-260-4262
Edward J. Vassallo, 215-620-9737
