Governor Reminds Public in Affected Areas to Prepare Now for Snow, Possible Road Closures and Power Outages

Urges Safety First by Avoiding All Unnecessary Travel

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell is warning motorists to prepare for possible road restrictions and closures in anticipation of another major winter snow storm that is expected impact much of the state. The storm's strong winds also mean citizens should prepare for power outages.

"If conditions warrant, we will implement travel restrictions and road closures in the hardest hit areas," said Governor Rendell. "It's for the safety of motorists so they don't get stranded, the safety of emergency responders who would need to rescue stranded motorists, and so road crews can quickly and safely do their jobs and get highways reopened."

As of Wednesday evening, northeastern Pennsylvania was expecting the brunt of the storm. If road conditions deteriorate during the storm, the first step will be to ban trucks. If conditions continue to deteriorate, speed restrictions could also be implemented. The final action to ensure safety is to close the road. Closing specific roads does not equate to a mandatory statewide travel ban, but motorists are strongly encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel during extreme weather.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will increase staffing and operations at the State Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. Thursday. The move will bring staff from other state agencies, including the departments of Transportation and Military and Veteran Affairs and Pennsylvania State Police to the SEOC to monitor storm conditions and power outages across the state.

Up to 700 National Guard members will be placed on active duty Thursday morning for duties that could include assisting police and helping first responders transport patients during the storm.

"Anyone who thinks they need to go somewhere during the storm should ask themselves if they truly need to travel and if they do, they absolutely should not leave home without emergency supplies," said PEMA Director Robert P. French. "Motorists should also let friends or family know what time they're leaving, when they anticipate arriving at their destination, and the route they plan to take."

French said a home emergency kit should allow a household to survive without outside assistance for at least three days and include basics such as: one gallon of water per person per day; non-perishable food; extra medication; battery-operated radio and flashlights; first aid kit; and any special needs items such as baby and pet supplies. An emergency kit for a car should contain many of the same items but in smaller quantities, as well as extra warm clothing, blankets and a car cell phone charger.

If travel is a must, either call 511 or visit www.511pa.com before leaving for information on interstate road conditions, weather reports and incidents. The site also has views from more than 400 cameras at locations around the state. Pennsylvania Turnpike roadway and weather conditions are available at www.paturnpike.com or by calling 1-866-976-8747.

Individuals needing assistance during the storm should call their local, city or municipal emergency management office in the "Blue Pages" section of the phone book or, if they have an emergency, call 911 immediately. Never call 911 to request or report road conditions. When calling 911 to report an emergency, it is critical for callers to stay on the line, even if for an extended series of rings, until the operator answers. Hang-ups due to frustration result in wasted staff time as the 911 center tries to reestablish contact.

The commonwealth's ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved. More detailed information, including downloadable checklists and emergency plan templates, is available online at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READY-PA.

Media contact: Maria A. Finn (PEMA); 717-651-2009

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor