MONTGOMERY COUNTY DECLARES DISASTER EMERGENCY

From the MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS:

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners has declared a Disaster Emergency as a result of the Winter Storm that moved into the area overnight.

The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Eagleville at 7p.m. last night in response to the Winter Storm. The EOC will remain open for the duration of the storm. Residents are reminded that 911 should be used for immediate response of police, fire or EMS only.

The Winter Storm has dropped more than 18 inches of snow on Montgomery County in the last 24 hours and will continue for several more hours. The weight of the snow has caused wide spread power outages. Residents are asked to report power outages to PECO Energy at 1-800-841-4141.

Residents should be conscious of downed power lines. Do not touch trees that could have come in contact with energized wires. Residents are encouraged to clear snow from fire hydrants and natural gas meters, which can cover the meter's regulator vent and block gas service. Residents are urged to clear snow from the outdoor meter with a brush rather than a shovel, which can cause damage to the meter.

Residents are also reminded to help people with special needs, such as the elderly, people with disabilities and children. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gas (propane, natural gas or charcoal burning) devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or partially enclosed area. When using these devices outside, be sure they are located away from the doors and window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.