PEMA Scales Back Operations as Storm Response Draws to Close

PennDOT to Continue Monitoring, Addressing Remaining Issues; Citizens in Need of Help Urged to Call Local Emergency Response Agencies

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency downgraded its activation level at 4 p.m. today after four days of heightened activity in response to the intense winter storms that swept across most of the state.

According to PEMA Director Robert P. French, the transition reflects the agency's evolving focus and responsibilities.

"Since we ramped up operations Tuesday afternoon, we've had representatives of nearly a dozen state agencies and the Red Cross working out of our emergency operations center monitoring activities throughout the state and ensuring those that needed assistance received it," said French. "Now that the snowfall has ceased and the winds have died down, our mission is transitioning from response to recovery.

"With that being the case, agencies such as the Department of Corrections and Turnpike Commission that have completed their respective missions have been released, but other personnel remain on hand to work the remaining situations and ensure local agencies have the resources they need to respond accordingly."

French said that some of the remaining issues include power outages in the southeast and southwest portions of Pennsylvania, as well as snow drifts that have closed many local roads particularly in the lower Susquehanna Valley.

Personnel from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will remain at PEMA to monitor the remaining road closures and to consider incoming requests from local governments seeking additional resources to plow and remove snow.

The Public Utility Commission reports that fewer than 26,800 electricity customers remain without power, including slightly more than 14,000 in the Allegheny Power territory and approximately 12,700 customers of PECO. Both utilities have said they expect power to be restored for these remaining customers by Sunday.

Watch officers also will remain at PEMA as part of their standard operating protocols to assist county agencies in their response efforts.

"This was a tremendous storm and thanks to the public heeding our requests to stay off the roads, state and local agencies were able to respond much more effectively," said French. "I want to commend the work of thousand of people across the state who worked diligently throughout the past few days to protect the public and serve those in need. And while many areas haven't recovered fully, we're making substantial progress.

"For anyone still in need of assistance, please call your local emergency response agency first for help. You can find their number in the blue pages of your local phone book."

French reminded Pennsylvanians of available resources that can help them prepare and respond to emergencies. At www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1888-9-READYPA, families can find downloadable materials such as home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates.

Travelers can also learn of road conditions for interstates and some limited-access highways by visiting www.511pa.com or by calling 511 from your mobile phone while stopped in a safe location.  Because weather and road conditions can deteriorate quickly, motorists should always check the weather forecast before traveling.

Media contact: Michael Smith, 717-651-2071

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor