Marple and Newtown Prep Residents For Sandy

Nearly 14 months after Hurricane Irene hit the Marple Newtown area, another hurricane is headed our way with Sandy leading the stormy charge. Both Marple and Newtown townships are preparing for what could be a significant emergency disaster to the community. Police, emergency response teams, and public works departments are all on standby in anticipation for Sandy.

According to Marple Township:

• A very large region will be affected by very strong winds.

• Reflecting its tropical beginnings, very heavy rainfall will occur with this  storm.

• The storm will be slow moving. This worsens the impact for flooding.

• The area affected will be determined by the track of the storm. There is  still some uncertainty about the track of the storm. However the threat to our region has once again increased over the last 24 hours. The potential for the core of the storm to have extremely strong winds and torrential rainfall has also increased.

Both Marple and Newtown townships have offered these tips to help prepare for the hurricane:

• Engage in preparedness activities. Review your Family Emergency Plan.

• Be prepared to evacuate if Emergency Management Officials instruct you to do so.

• Be prepared for potential long-term power outages. Have non-perishable food items, bottled water, and flashlights with spare batteries available for at least seven days along with a battery-operated radio.

• Leaves! There are a lot of leaves on the ground. Leaves are an excellent material to clog/ block storm drains, worsening local/neighborhood flooding. Get leaves and any other obstructing materials away from drains before this storm arrives.

And in case of any emergency, both townships remind residents to call 911.