Public Works Crews Prep for Hurricane Sandy

Passing along a note on behalf of the State College Borough Office of Public Works.

The State of Pennsylvania has issued a statewide disaster emergency in preparation of Hurricane Sandy. This storm has the potential to produce significant rainfall over a period of days. In preparation for the storm, State College Public Works crews will be working throughout the weekend to collect leaves on the street, from gutters and storm sewer inlets.  Full crews will work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to mitigate any potential flooding hazards ahead of the storm.

The State College Borough Public Works Department will be staffing Public Works crews 24/7 for the duration of the storm. After the storm passes, Crews will resume leaf collection on the regular collection schedule.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for the impending storm and take proper precautions to reduce potential flooding. Residents who live in low lying areas should check for storm inlet grates on or near their property. If leaves are blocking a storm sewer grate, rack leaves away from the grate to allow for adequate infiltration. Bring lawn furniture and other items that could become projectiles in high winds inside. Residents are also encouraged to stock up on food, medicine and batteries.

Important Phone Numbers/Tips:

• To report a power outage, please call West Penn Power directly at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).

• If a tree is blocking the roadway or if flooding has become a safety hazard, please call the non-emergency police line at (800) 479-0050. These calls will be forwarded to the Borough’s Public Works crew.

• You can also try the Borough’s office, 814-234-7000, during regular business hours.

If conditions worsen, emergency information may need to be relayed to residents. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up for the Code Red alert system. You can sign up online at: https://www.co.centre.pa.us/codered.

Related coverage:

• Corbett Issues State of Emergency for Hurricane Sandy; Tips on How to Protect Your Family