Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Drive Safely This Winter

During a snow or ice storm this winter when the roads may be treacherous, use public transportation if you must travel.

However, if you must drive:

• Avoid driving until road crews clear roadways.
• Before starting your car, clear snow from the tail pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Completely clear your vehicle of snow and ice, including windows, mirrors, roof, trunk, hood, and lights.
• Travel in daylight and don't travel alone.
• Stay on main roads.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas, such as shady spots and bridges.
• Drive at speeds dictated by conditions.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the roadway.
• Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these vehicles as you would emergency response vehicles.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Let family or friends know your travel schedule and routes.
• Keep a small sack of sand or kitty litter in your car for generating traction under wheels.

For more winter safety tips visit the Winter Weather page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website, www.phila.gov/ready.   

Snow Emergency, December 19-21

Snow Emergency for Saturday, December 19

Heavy snow and windy conditions are impacting the Philadelphia area.

As a result, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ issued a Winter Storm Warning from 1 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday. A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected. Snow accumulations of 15 to 20 inches are predicted in the area. Furthermore, the snow should fall heavy at times, which when combined with strong northerly winds, may cause drifting snow and dangerous travel conditions. Residents must remove their vehicles from snow emergency routes by 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

Snow Emergency Routes Text
Snow Emergency Routes Map

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Give the Gift of Preparedness This Holiday Season

This year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has assembled a list of gift ideas for the holidays to help keep your family and friends prepared.

The most important thing any individual can do is take a few minutes to discuss with their family, friends and loved ones what they will do in the case of an emergency or disaster. This includes developing a simple family communications plan and identifying how you would get in touch with loved ones and where you might meet if you are separated when an emergency or disaster takes place.

Additionally, there are simple supplies that can go a long way in the case of an emergency or disaster that would make great gifts this holiday season.

• Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits; food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours; i.e., extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights).
• NOAA weather radios with extra batteries. 
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class. 
• Fire extinguishers (for kitchen, garage, car, etc.) 
• Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire. 
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags). 
• Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate). 
• Battery powered lamps
  

This year, consider at least one of these ideas.  You just may save the life of a friend or family member.

Emergency Rest Center Program

The Emergency Rest Center (ERC) Program is a partnership between the Philadelphia Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiative (MOFI), and faith- and community-based facilities around the City of Philadelphia.

Emergency Rest Centers are locations made available to residents for a temporary place of refuge in times of emergency. This program intends to establish a series of ERCs throughout all seven Police Divisions of the City.

A variety of incidents could require the activation of ERCs throughout all, or parts, of the City of Philadelphia. Like other large metropolitan areas, Philadelphia must have the capabilities to evacuate large masses of people and assist them during such evacuations. Additionally, ERCs may be activated as support for localized, small-scale emergencies within Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Learn what it takes to become an Emergency Rest Center, how your organization can participate or how you can become involved by visiting the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management at www.phila.gov/ready.

Wally Wise Guys Wise Words of the Week: Have a Recipe to Fire Proof Your Holiday Tree

The Philadelphia Fire Department recommends placing your live tree in a special mixture to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Start by mixing the following ingredients in a five gallon bucket.

• 2 gallons of hot water.
• 2 cups of Karo syrup.
• 2 ounces of liquid chlorine bleach.
• 2 pinches of Epsom Salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon of Borax.
• 1 teaspoon of chelated iron.

Make a fresh cut one inch from the bottom of the tree and place it in this mixture for 24 hours. Then place the tree in its stand and add this mixture. Remember to top it off each day.

KYW Newsradio 1060 Philadelphia - Federal Government to Ramp Up Security Funding in Phila.

KYW Newsradio 1060 Philadelphia - Federal Government to Ramp Up Security Funding in Phila.

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