If you are a victim of domestic violence or if you know or suspect it is occurring, seek help.
Montgomery County Women’s Center can be reached at 610-970-7363; the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County can be reached at 610-431-1430; Berks County Women in Crisis can be reached at 610-372-9540; and Laurel House can be reached at 610-277-1860.
The SAFE Project can help abusers stop being abusive. The Children’s SAFE Project can help kids who witness or are affected by violence in the family. For information on these programs call 610-326-9250 ext. 1197.

The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

• Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

• Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

• Preparing Your Home and Car: Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross at www.redcrossphilly.org.

After the record floods caused by Tropical Storm Lee, The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection asked residents of flood-stricken areas to conserve water to reduce the load on local wastewater treatment plants, many of which were be either partially or fully inoperable due to the flooding.

DEP recommends that residents, businesses and other institutions follow these guidelines after flooding affects their water treatment plants:

• If you have more than one toilet, use one for urination and use it at least twice before flushing. This can save five to seven gallons per flush. Users should keep toilet lids shut and keep children and pets away from toilets that have not been flushed. Avoid unnecessary flushing by disposing of facial tissues and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Place a plastic jug of water or commercial “dam” in older toilet tanks to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush, which can save more than 1,000 gallons a year.
• Verify that your home is leak-free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and a second sink or basin with rinse water. If additional rinsing is needed, quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet. Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin, not under running water.
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator and do not let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.
• Wash clothes and use the dishwasher only when you have a full load, and set it to use the minimum amount of water required.
• Take quick showers and save an average of 20 gallons of water.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving, saving more than five gallons of water per day.

HARRISBURG - The Department of Environmental Protection is advising residents whose homes or businesses have been affected by flood waters to take a number of precautions to assure a safe cleanup.

“Thousands of people and homes have been impacted by the tragic flooding in the commonwealth over the past several days. It is gut-wrenching to see the many pictures of the devastation, destruction and human suffering,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “People need to be very careful when returning to their homes and businesses and must be aware of a number of precautions they need to take to ensure their safety and good health.”

Homeowners who suffered flood damage should note these cleanup guidelines:

• Be careful when entering a flood-damaged building. Loose, wet ceiling plaster is heavy and dangerous, so knock down hanging plaster before moving around. Watch for holes in the floor and loose boards with exposed nails.
• Once inside, turn off the gas and electricity. Wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and rubber gloves and turn off the main switch using a piece of rubber, plastic or dry wood while standing on a dry board to avoid electrocution.
• Do not pump the basement until the water has gone down, as pumping a water-filled basement could result in the walls collapsing.
• Never use a gas-powered pump or generator in an enclosed area; carbon monoxide fumes could overcome you.
• Test plumbing and basement drains by pouring a bucket of water in them. If the water does not run out, remove the clean-out plug from the trap and rake out the mud with a wire.
• Do not rush to move back into your home. Before a house is habitable, it must be dried and thoroughly cleaned, since flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals as they travel.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate and dry the inside, and wait until all floors, ceilings, walls and furnishings are dry and free of mold and mildew before trying to repair or salvage them.
• Everything that flood water has touched should be disinfected. Scrub down walls and any other smooth, hard surfaces with a solution made of clean water and two-percent chlorine bleach. Two to three capfuls of chlorine bleach to a bucket of water are recommended. Wear gloves when disinfecting surfaces.
• Do not attempt to repair floors until they are fully dry. Dry wood floors as soon as possible by opening all doors and windows, which should prevent them from shrinking and deforming. Once dry, buckled floors may be drawn back into place with nails, and planing and sanding may remove humps.
• Remove drawers and clean all mud and dirt from wooden furniture. Be sure to dry furniture slowly and indoors to prevent the sun from warping it.
• If possible, simply air-dry family treasures such as books, photographs or paintings. If wet books, documents, photographs or textiles cannot be air-dried within 48 hours, freeze them if you have a freezer that is large enough. If not, keep them as cool as possible until air-drying is possible.
• Washers, dryers and furnaces can usually be cleaned and tested by qualified electricians. Replacing expensive appliances after a flood is usually not necessary.
• Mattresses, carpets and rugs should be discarded. In most cases, mattresses and rugs become so saturated with contaminated material that cleaning attempts are futile.

To deal with leaking home fuel tanks in flooded basements, remove the fuel oil from the surface of the water and place it in a container for disposal. The water that is under the product can be directed to the nearest waterway. After pumping your basement, try to remove and place in a container any remaining product and stop the leak in the tank.

If your private groundwater well or spring has been flooded, follow specific disinfection instructions to temporarily address the problem. These can be found in the Flood-related Information tab at www.dep.state.pa.us. You will need a bucket, garden hose, funnel and chlorinating compound, which is sold in liquid and granular form at grocery and home-improvement stores.

Even after the disinfection process is completed, water should be tested for bacteria. DEP’s regional offices will be equipped by Monday with test kits to distribute at no cost to residents. For contact information for the regional office in your area, consult the Regional Resources tab of DEP’s website. Until tested and found potable, continue to use bottled water or bring your water to a rolling boil and let it boil for at least one minute. Bottled or boiled water should be used for drinking, cooking, food preparation, dishwashing, making ice and coffee, mixing baby formula and brushing teeth.

For assistance beyond what is available on DEP’s website, call 1-866-255-5158 any time or consult the Penn State University Cooperative Extension’s Master Well Owner Network at http://extension.psu.edu/water/mwon.

For more information, visit the Flood-related Information page at www.dep.state.pa.us.

The Chester County Health Dept. issued this advice on safety during floods.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

• Listen to local radio and television stations for possible flood warnings and reports of
flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service
(NWS)
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moments’ notice with your supplies. (see list below)
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and
do not return until the area is declared safe.
• Stay away from moving flood waters. Do not walk through fl owing water. If the water
level is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. If you MUST walk
through a flooded area, use a pole or stick to enable contact with the ground. If you are
caught in an automobile on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get
out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Cars can be swept away in just two
feet of moving water. Do not drive around drive around road barriers.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED

• Water - at least a 3 day supply; one gallon per person, per day
• Food - at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food
• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses,
contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Multipurpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, birth
certificate, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Extra blankets
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen

WHAT DO I DO AFTER A FLOOD?

• Return home only when offi cials have declared the area safe.
• Before entering your home, check outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other
damage.
• If your home is partially damaged or collapsed, approach entrances carefully. Make sure that porch roofs and
overhangs are still supported.
• Be alert for wild animals.
• If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave IMMEDIATELY and call the fi re department.
• If power lines are down outside of your home, do not step in any puddles or standing water.
• Make sure food and perishable items are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with fl oodwater, including
canned goods, water bottles, medications, cosmetics, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt,
throw it out!
• Do not use potentially contaminated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice, or
make baby formula.
• Check with the Chester County Health Department (www.chesco.org/health) for recommendations for boiling or
treating water in your area after a disaster, as water may be contaminated.
Because standard homeowners insurance does not cover fl ooding, it is important to have protection from fl oods
associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions. For information on fl ood insurance, visit
the National Flood Insurance Program Website.

Following is a list of outdoor public and private pools in the area. Many, but not all, offer day rates. The list includes all pools of which we were aware.

Amity Township Athletic Club (www.tcteams.com/swimamityac): 55 Amity Park Road, Amity; swim team, snack bar.

Bally Community Pool (www.co.berks.pa.us/bally/site/default.asp): 4 Chestnut St., Bally; playground, volleyball, tennis, basketball, pavilions. Opened in late 1960s.

Boyertown Community Pool (www.boyertownymca.org): 417 South Madison St., Boyertown; swim team. Opened in 1962

French Creek State Park (www.frenchcreekpool.com); Route 345, Union; pavilion, snack bar, boat rentals, ballfields, playgrounds, frisbee golf, hiking trails.

Hickory Park Pool (www.newhanover-pa.org/): 2138 Big Road, New Hanover; pavilions

Hillside Aquatic Club (www.hillsideaquatic.com/): 134 W. Moyer Road, Upper Pottsgrove; swim team, pavilion, volleyball, basketball, snack bar, kiddie pool. Opened in 1967.

Laurelwood Swim Club (laurelwoodswimclub.net/): 801 Union Ave., North Coventry; swim team, snack bar. Opened in 1960

Maple Springs Pool (www.maplespringspool.com/); 415 Chestnut St., Birdsboro; swim team, pavilion, snack bar, kiddie pool.

Markley Farms Swim and Tennis Club (markleyfarms.org) 2407 Chestnut Ave., Eagleville; four pools; tennis, basketball, volleyall, two playgrounds, snack bar.

Marsh Creek State Park (www.marshcreeklake.com/swimming pool) 657 Park Road, Upper Uwchlan; splash pad, pavilion, snack bar, lap pool, boat rental.

Nine Oaks Swim and Tennis Club (www.9oaks.org): 777 Mennonite Road, Upper Providence; kiddie pool, shuffleboard, tennis, basketball, volleyball, snack bar. Opened 1966.

North End Swimming Club (northendswimmingclub.com/): North Adams and Prospect streets, Pottstown; swim team, pavilion, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, baseball, snack bar, baby pool, playground. Opened in 1960.

Phoenixville YMCA (www.fvymca.org): 400 E. Potthouse Road, Phoenixville; full YMCA with three outdoor pools and two indoor pools, gym facilities.

Skippack Pool (www.skippackpool.com): 1224 Cressman Road, Skippack; swim team, pavilion, snack bar.

Spring City Community Pool (www.springcitypa.net/the_pool.htm) 268 Brown St., Spring City; scuba lessons, pavilion, snack bar.

Spring Valley YMCA (www.fvymca.org): 19 W. Linfield-Trappe Road, Limerick; full YMCA with two indoor pools, gym facilities, etc.

Upper Perkiomen YMCA (www.fvymca.org): 476 Pottstown Ave., Pennsburg; full YMCA, gym facilities, skate-park etc.

Valley Forge Mountain Swim Club (610-783-1930): 1025 Horsehoe Trail, East Pikeland.

Water World (www.waterworldrec/com): 655 Schuylkill Road, East Pikeland; children's pool with slides, family pool with slides and rope swing, volleyball, snack bar, pavilion.

* Learn to Swim and Practice Floating - Learning to swim is one of your best defenses against drowning, besides wearing a life jacket. Also, teaching those you love simple survival floating skills can help, because hopefully when your swimming ability is reduced from exhaustion, remembering how to relax and float can save your life.

* Never Exceed Your Swimming Abilities or Swim Alone - Regardless of how well you swim you could have to fight for your life due to unexpected conditions. A fellow swimmer can help you out when you encounter the unexpected.

* Don't Dive in Lakes and Rivers (Open Waters) - Open water situations where water depth is unknown and conditions are constantly changing with floating or underwater debris can be very dangerous.

* Wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket can save your life - it only takes an adult an average of 60 seconds to drown and on average it takes 10 minutes for a strong swimmer to put on a life jacket after entering the water. If you will not wear it for yourself then wear it for those who love you.

* Alcohol and Water are a Deadly Combination - When under water and under the influence of alcohol or drugs you can suffer from an inner ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that causes you to become disoriented and not know which way is up. The use of alcohol and drugs can also affect your coordination, judgment and reaction time, and could lead to deadly consequences.