A little more than a year after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee ravaged Hatboro with flooding and property damage, emergency management personnel are keeping a watchful eye just in case Hurricane Sandy wreaks havoc.

Lower Southampton's Fire Marshal Bill Oettinger said that the township's public works department will be out continuously this weekend preparing the township for possible flooding. Right now, public works is out clearing out storm sewers throughout the township to ensure that there aren't any blockages before the storm, Oettinger said.

Oettinger has been working with his staff and other township officials today to complete an emergency action plan in case Hurricane Sandy does hit the township. This plan, he said, is a directive to all township emergency services employees on what to do during an emergency.

Throughout the weekend, Oettinger and township emergency services employees will be watching the weather and "preparing for the worst," he told Patch.

The areas in the township he and his staff will be watching closely for flooding include Creek Road, the entire Pine Tree Farm section, Meadow Brook, Desire Avenue and the Oakford section.

On Sunday, Oettinger and township staff will be distributing letters to residents to inform them of what to do in case their homes become innudated with water. In addition, the Feasterville Fire Company will be preparing its station as a shelter in case evacuations are made due to flooding.

The Feasterville and Lower Southampton Fire Departments are preparing for extended operational periods as well, Oettinger said.

For residents, Oettinger said they can prepare emergency kits equipped with batteries, flash lights, non-perishable foods that don't need to be cooked, a battery-operated radio, bottled water and medication.

During a storm, if residents see downed wires, Oettinger urged them to call 911. They should also call 911 if their home begins to flood.

If an area of the township begins to flood and it doesn't look good, Oettinger said the township will then evacuate that area.

What are you doing to prepare for Hurricane Irene?

 

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