Montco Gearing Up For Next Major Snow Event
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- With another major snowstorm bearing down on the Philadelphia region, officials in Montgomery County are making preparations, hoping to get out in front of this latest round of winter weather.
With at least six inches of snow forecast for a large part of the county and winds that could bring down power lines and trees (see the forecast), county commissioner Josh Shapiro is urging residents to sign up for "Ready Notify Pa.," to get emergency alerts.
He also wants residents to make sure they are self-reliant for at least 72 hours if necessary.
"Basic things, like having fuel in your car, having cash available should you need it, having a plan to know where to go in the event that you lose power or you need to leave your home," he says.
Nearly 200,000 residents in Montgomery County lost their power in the last storm (see related story).
He says the county has 600 tons of road salt, with more on the way, and their plows are ready to go. They will work with local municipalities having salt shortages, to try to connect them with contractors.
Shapiro says the county also has plans to activate its backup call center if emergency calls overwhelm the system.