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 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 now since many sections remain closed and the recovery will take some time. The storm left these giant sink holes at Colonial Hyundai in Thorndale. Although the waters had largely receded amongst...

County residents: Rain, rain, please go away

NWS says flooding will worsen before it improves; officials advise staying put Updated at 5:40 p.m. with information from the county 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 feet and...

County issues reminder on storm disaster aid

Forms due by noon Friday to determine eligibility for federal assistance Chester County officials want 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 Chester County Department of Emergency Services 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 Like many Chester County residents, this robin is likely hoping the next batch of nasty weather won’t include ice. Photo by Dave Lichter The $899 price tag was no deterrent for customers determined not to endure another prolonged power outage, no matter what the cost....

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...

County: Avoid plumbing woes during big chill

Taking precautions can help prevent costly frozen pipes Weather officials are predicting a combination of bitter cold temperatures and wind across the county from tonight into Wednesday, Jan. 8 – dangerous conditions that could wreak havoc with plumbing, county officials said. In a news release, the county suggested that being prepared and informed could help avoid the messy and often expensive issue...

County working to help residents beat heat

Shelters will double as cooling stations, transportation for seniors will increase Fans for seniors who qualify will be available through the Chester County Office of Aging Services. Call 610-344-6350 for information. In response to the excessive heat warning issued Monday by the National Weather Service – in effect through 8 p.m. on Wednesday – the Chester County Health Department and...