DES urges residents to use caution today

Chester County Department of Emergency Services Urges Residents to use Caution Today

Powerful Storms last evening caused many trees and power lines to come down

West Chester, PA – Officials from the Chester County Department of Emergency Services want residents to use caution when traveling today.  Many roads are closed due to trees and power wires being down and blocking the roads.  Currently there are 150 roads closed throughout Chester County and more than 57,000 people without power.  Officials urge people to stay away from down or arching wires.

PECO is reporting 56,528 residents and business are without power; PPL are reporting 136 customers without power.  MetEd is reporting that no customers without power.  Residents are urged to call their utility company to report power outages and NOT to call 9-1-1;  PECO 1-800-841-4141, PPL 1-800-342-5775, MetED 1-888-544-4877

Also, residents should be aware that Verizon is currently experiencing a service outage in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.  Calls made from Verizon cell phones to a landline are receiving a busy signal, this includes calls to 9-1-1.  Calls made from Verizon cell phones will only work when dialing another Verizon cell phone customer. 

In an Emergency, if a Chester County Verizon customer cannot reach 9-1-1 by calling, Text-to-9-1-1 is working.  Officials urge to try calling 9-1-1 first, if unable to reach, then use the Text feature.

Residents are reminded that if they have damage to their property they should contact their municipality to report the damage.  Officials also remind residents when using generators, to keep them at least 15 feet away from any structure and use with adequate ventilation around the unit.

Due to power outages, Chester County Government Offices at 313 W. Market Street and the Justice Center, in West Chester, are closed today.  The Chester County Government Services Center on Westtown Road, West Chester, is opening at 10:30am.

To get information about storm related conditions, weather conditions, and more, sign up for our notification system at www.readychesco.org 

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