| Members of Birdsboro-Union Fire Department continue to prepare as Hurricane Sandy continues to move closer to Berks County. As of midnight, Birdsboro Borough has declared a State of Emergency to ensure that the residents of Birdsboro Borough are safe and Borough Officials can act quickly should any need arise. Should you, a loved one, or a neighbor need assistance over the next several days you can contact the Borough Hall or Birdsboro-Union Fire Department's Birdsboro Station for assistance.
Union Townhip has also implemented procedures. For assistance in Union Township, you can again contact BUFD's Birdsboro Station or Union Township Building.
A few things that you should remember:
1. Although it is not mandatory, if you are asked to leave you home due to flooding or another emergency, it is in your best interest to do so. If you do not, you risk the possibility that emergency crews will not be able to reach you should an emergency situation arise. If you do not have alternative housing, shelters have been set up for you.
2. Do not drive or walk through any moving water. The depth of low lying water is very deceiving, and even 5 inches of water has the ability to knock you off your feet causing you to become trapped in the water, and could result in your death.
3. Do not drive around barricades closing a roadway. Emergency Services and Municipal Officials are intending to close roads as trees fall or flooding begins. A barricaded road means that it is not passible, so an alternative route is best.
4. If your house is prone to have water in the basement, you will most likely have a significant amount water over the next several days. The Fire Department will not pump any basement during storm conditions. Our pumps do not have the capacity to keep up with the anticipated rainfall; therefore, the rainwater will come back in as fast as it is pumped out. Fire crews will come out to inspect your basement, and if there is an electrical concern, the fire department will secure the power to your residence.
5. Electrical Outages are very possible with the high winds that are expected. Please keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Candles, although a frequent source of light, can be very dangerous and result in unwanted fires. If you have or intend to use a gas powered generator, please make sure you run it outside of your residence and away from open windows and doors. Gas powered generators are a leading cause to illness and deaths related to Carbon Monoxide poisoning during power outages.
Again, if you have any concerns, questions or problems you can always contact the fire house at (610) 582-0058. If we cannot immediately assist you, we can direct you into the correct direction. Please stay safe and think about your actions before you act. Make sure you children are safe and informed of the dangers of rapid moving water.
Yours in Service,
Christopher J. Bickings
Fire Chief
Important Phone Numbers
Birdsboro-Union Fire Department (610) 582-0058
Birdsboro Borough: (610) 582-6030
Union Township: (610) 582-3769
Met-ED: (800) 984-9642
UGI: (800) 438?3915 |
