Chesco’s Amer completes FEMA Master Public Information Officer Program

On Left: Michael J. Sharon, FEMA Emergency Management Institute Deputy SuperintendentOn Right: Amy Amer WEST CHESTER — Completing a year-long professional development program, Amy Kate Amer, Community Outreach Coordinator for Chester County Department of Emergency Services joins less than 70 others across the U.S. and the only one in Pennsylvania, as a recognized Master Public Information Officer...

Snow, ice, rain could make for messy roadways

Much of Chester County is expected to be hit with a fairly heavy snow storm Saturday afternoon, with total accumulations of between 4 and 7 inches, but it may be what follows that causes more headaches for local residents. The snow is expected to turn to a freezing mix, with the potential of coating surfaces with as much as a 1/10th of an inch of ice before finally turning to rain in the overnight...

County shifting into flood-recovery mode

5.5 inches of rain prompts evacuations, more than 60 water rescues By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times With so much water all around, these horses at Castle Rock Farm in Pocopson Township have plenty of time for reflection. Photo by Dave Lichter The water is receding, and now the necessary mop-up will begin. And if county officials had their way, no one would be on the roads right...

County residents: Rain, rain, please go away

NWS says flooding will worsen before it improves; officials advise staying put Updated at 5:45 p.m. with information from county’s Dept. of Emergency Services If you haven’t finished your ark, best not to venture out. The latest report from the National Weather Service (NWS) suggests that flooding will worsen before it starts to improve. The Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford floods at 9...

Melting snow could pose flooding dangers

County officials urge motorists to avoid traversing standing water  The Chester County Department of Emergency Services (DES) interrupts this cycle of melting snow to issue a reminder about another potential hazard: flash flooding. Many causes exist for flash flooding in Chester County, which can occur fast and can wipe a car off the road in an instant. 

 Some include rain or snow melt...

County, township issue reminder on disaster aid

Forms due by noon Friday to determine eligibility for federal assistance Kennett Township wants to remind residents, businesses, and nonprofits that experienced damage from the ice storm to inform the county by filling out a disaster request form, needed to assess the county’s eligibility for federal assistance. The township was one of many municipalities that participated in a conference call...

County: Disaster loans possible for small businesses

Companies adversely impacted by February storms urged to apply for aid Small businesses that sustained substantial economic injury from February’s ice and snowstorms, regardless of physical damage, may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), county officials said. “Small businesses and agricultural cooperatives that have lost business as a result...

Area residents bracing for another onslaught

Officials urging public to stay off roads – expected to be treacherous By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times The $899 price tag was no deterrent for customers determined not to endure another prolonged power outage, no matter what the cost. Forty generators delivered to the Costco store in King of Prussia disappeared quickly, leaving latecomers disappointed. Similar mentalities...

Officials urging patience, offering safety tips

Recovery from ice storm, including power restoration, could take days Many county residents will face cleanup work outside once their power is restored. Patience: That’s what government officials are recommending as county residents – most without power – attempt to rebound from the ice storm. With some exceptions where large trees fell, most county roads are passable; however, many resemble...

Public urged to brace for another winter wallop

Urging precautions, officials say ice likely to have most negative impact By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times It seems that residents’ collective efforts to wish away another winter wallop have failed, and it’s coming regardless. The National Weather Service has updated its advisory from a watch to a warning, predicting that snow will begin late Tuesday night, falling heavily...