Harrisburg – City Mayor Linda D. Thompson declared a state of disaster emergency in the City of Harrisburg today, effective Monday morning at 5:00 AM, to enable staff and related officials to respond effectively to any possible impact of Hurricane Sandy in the City.
The storm, which will begin to hit the mid-state sometime Sunday evening, is expected to bring heavy rain to the city and region, resulting in low area flash-flooding and high wind-related power outages which could last for several days. Sustained high winds will likely contribute to tree damage around the city as well.
"The city has been preparing for Hurricane Sandy for days now in terms of staffing, equipment, and actions to increase and insure safety which is our number one priority," Mayor Thompson said. "We have highly trained employees from police and fire to public works and codes department, and we are ready to respond as needed to this critical situation.”
Governor Corbett’s state disaster proclamation, issued Friday evening, authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel as necessary to cope with the magnitude and severity of the emergency situation. The time-consuming bid and contract procedures, as well as other formalities normally prescribed by law, are waived for the duration of the proclamation.
Mayor Thompson issued the city disaster declaration based on Governor Corbett’s proclamation, the recommendation of PEMA director Glenn Cannon, as well as forecasts from the National Weather Service. There are no travel restrictions or evacuations in effect at this time.
Low-lying areas in the city will likely be impacted by flooding Monday through Wednesday and citizens are requested to be alert to fast rising water and obey all Police street blockades.
Citizens are asked to report downed trees immediately by calling 558-6900 and by emailing rjphilbin@CityofHbg.com. Additionally, citizens are requested to clear leaves and other debris from drainage outlets in their neighborhood to reduced blockage in the city’s storm water system.
City staff at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, located at the Martin Luther King, Jr. government center in Harrisburg, is monitoring conditions citywide to assess conditions and coordinate any necessary response. Plans are under way with the American Red Cross should evacuations become necessary and the city is coordinating with PPL and UGI to assure efficient response if needed. Periodic updates will be provided to the media and public throughout the storm.
The City remains in communication with multiple agencies, including Dauphin County, PEMA, the state departments of Transportation, State Police, Pennsylvania National Guard, Public Utility Commission and the American Red Cross.
Harrisburg citizens needing assistance should call 558-6900. If citizens have an emergency, they should call 911 immediately. When calling 911 to report an emergency only, it is important for callers to stay on the line, even if for an extended series of rings, until the operator answers. Hang-ups result in wasted emergency staff time as the 911 center tries to re-establish contact.
Never call 911 to request or report road conditions or for non-emergency purposes.
The state’s ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency occurs: be informed, be prepared, be involved. More detailed information, including emergency kit checklists for the home and car, and emergency plan templates, is available online at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READY-PA.
Further updates will be provided to the media as more information becomes available. Updates and flood maps will be posted on the city website at www.harrisburgpa.gov.