FLOOD ADVISORY - Posted September 8, 2011 at 4:45 pm

From Paxtang

That we have experienced numerous crisis and emergencies during the past several days is an understatement. Our staff and Fire Company have done a yeoman's job in minimizing property damage and the danger for life safety. There is still a serious threat to public health and safety in front of us. What those challenges might be we cannot predict with any certainty. But we should all hope for the best, and yet prepare for the worst.

PUBLIC UTILITIES - PREPARE YOURSELF The public utilities, especially, have their hands full. Those services that we normally take for granted: drinking and potable water, sanitary sewers, and electricity. The rising water may require that the companies that provide these necessities make concessions or adjustments to their operations in order to maintain the delivery of these services to their customers. As of the time of this writing (1530 hrs, 8 Sept) there have been widespread rumors of United Water interrupting service to a wide area of service. Borough officials have NOT received any information, either from United Water or from the Emergency Management Agency of any planned interruption of utility services to Paxtang Borough. Is that an absolute guarantee of continued service? No. It is possible that as circumstances develop decisions to limit utility services may have to be made. With that in mind, there are a few things that each of can do to prepare ourselves. These are the simplest of things when done beforehand but can be of considerable difficulty if the necessity arises.

• Candles – simple, but an absolute necessity without power.
• Drinking water – Not necessarily bottled water, but water acceptable for human consumption.
• Potable water – A supply of water to bathe and flush commodes, sinks, and similar facilities.

The few minutes required to temporarily store moderate reserves may get you through several. Take those few minutes.

BASEMENTS Many residents will experience some water in their basements. In some cases this may be simply an inconvenience, but for some it may represent a significant hazard. If possible, remove any building contents to an upper floor, including food, perishable items, and personal items of value. DO NOT enter a flooded basement when the water level has approached or climbed above any electrical cord, appliance, outlet, or conduit. As much as we might like to, the Borough, including the Paxtang Fire Company, does not have the resources to remove the water from every basement. Choices have to be made based upon the necessity to avert a larger disaster. The salvage of personal property or “first come, first serve” cannot be valid considerations or factors.

TRASH As a result of the rains trash collection may also be delayed. Please be patient. These trucks have to negotiate the same streets that every other vehicle does. Streets that have been closed are closed to Waste Management vehicles as well. We have been assured that all trash will be collected on time or as soon as possible thereafter. We can also make these folks' job easier as well by putting all trash garbage, and refuse in closed containers ( this also minimizes the spread of bacteria and infection), bundled, or otherwise packaged so that trash handlers can quickly and efficiently remove items from the curb.

TRAVEL Common Sense must prevail in our choices. Travel around this area does a great deal to complicate issues. Trips for personal convenience should be eliminated as much as possible. Every personal vehicle that stays off the road is one less that official vehicles must worry about. The danger of driving into standing water is still a very real threat. Be smart and don't be either a victim or a hindrance to those personnel who are trying to protect you.

The Borough staff, officials and the Fire Company remain committed to protecting you and minimizing the risk that the rising waters bring. Preparing yourselves helps us. Take a moment and evaluate if you are ready for what may lie ahead what you can still do.

Thank you.