Lehigh County Issues Storm Advisory

Lehigh County, PA- Lehigh County Emergency Management officials continue to monitor the upcoming weather projected for next week and urge resident to continue preparing and monitoring the storm.

Preparing for emergencies is important.  If you have not done so already, it is important to ensure you:

·         Review and update your emergency supply kit. You should have at least a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food, water, medications and other necessities to sustain you, your family and pets. (Remember a kit for your car and work. In addition to traditional emergency kit items, include an extra clean mask for each person in your household. Find a complete list of items to include in your kit at https://www.ready.pa.gov/BePrepared/BuildKit/Pages/default.aspx )

·         Review and update your emergency plan.  Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place; how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.  Find a list of simple and practical steps at https://www.ready.pa.gov/BePrepared/MakeaPlan/Pages/default.aspx 

·         Have an adequate communications plan – be sure friends and family know how to contact you.  Teach family members how to use text messaging as text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call cannot get through.

·         Follow the directions of local officials – evacuation orders may be issued by officials, so follow their guidance.

·         Stay informed; Monitor local weather forecasts and news reports for our area.  Remember to have spare batteries for your radio in case of a power outage.

Lehigh County Emergency Management officials urge residents to:

·         Avoid downed power lines; always assume that a downed line is a LIVE wire. If you see downed power lines – DO NOT Approach. Contact PPL at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775).

·         DO NOT drive through flooded roadways. Remember the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.

·         If you are in need of immediate emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1.

More information about what to do before, during, and after a disaster can be found by visiting READYPA.gov or by calling the Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency at (610) 782-4600.