The volunteers and staff of East Whiteland Fire Company are getting ready for Winter Storm Gail, where snow accumulation of 6 inches or more is expected, along with ice and high winds. Residents should take all precautions to ensure they're prepared for the upcoming winter storm. With the possibility of downed trees, power loss, and obstructions in the roadway, we wanted to remind residents of some safety tips and important phone numbers.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergencies: 9-1-1
PECO: 1-800-841-4141
AQUA Water: 1-877-987-2782
Chester County Department of Emergency Services: 610-344-5000
East Whiteland Township: 610-648-0600
Charlestown Township: 610-240-0326

General Safety Tips

• Ensure fresh batteries are placed in flashlights so they’ll last as long as possible during a power outage. Make sure replacement batteries are in an easy to find location.
• Charge phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices.
• Clear hallways and bedroom floors to eliminate tripping hazards
• Make sure you have easy access to bottled water and something to does not require cooking.
• Have blankets and warm clothes ready.
• If you have a fire hydrant near your home, clear a 3-foot radius around the hydrant and shovel to the roadway. This will help first responders save valuable time in the event of a fire.

Fire Safety

• Please make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working
• If you smell an electrical burning smell in your home, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• If you come across downed powerlines, do not attempt to approach them and always assume they are live.
• Use flashlights to light your home in the event of power loss; candles are a fire hazard

Using a generator because power is out?

• Make sure your generator is in a well-ventilated location, do not use a generator in an attached garage or the basement
• Let generators cool down before refueling and never refuel a generator while it’s running
• Make sure your generator is placed in a way to avoid exhaust fumes from entering the house through windows, doors, and other openings
• Store fuel in a separate location such as a shed, do not store fuel in the living areas of your home.

Driving Safety

• During a winter storm, residents should not try to drive unless necessary.
• Conditions may not be suitable for driving, and residents will need to remember to take extra precautions like the ones below when driving in wintry conditions.
• Drive slowly. Wintry weather can decrease the traction you have on the road.
• Increase your following distance
• Accelerate and Decelerate slowly; avoid starting and stopping suddenly. It takes longer to stop on icy roads.

Important Websites:

East Whiteland Township: https://eastwhiteland.org
Charlestown Township: http://www.charlestown.pa.us/
Chester County: https://chesco.org
National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/
American Red Cross - SEPA: https://www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/southeastern-pennsylvania.html