Politics & Government

Hatboro Declares Disaster Emergency

Residents in flood-prone areas are asked to evacuate before storm hits.

Hatboro Mayor Norm Hawkes on Friday declared a disaster emergency stemming from the seemingly imminent destruction headed toward the East Coast as Hurricane Irene mobilizes. 

The disaster emergency takes effect beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday. 

The brunt of the tropical storm, which could pound the region with high winds and dump 10 inches - or more - rain, is expected to peak Saturday evening through Sunday. Hatboro officials are asking residents who live in flood-prone areas to consider evacuating prior to the storm's start.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In a release issued Friday night, the borough reminded residents to take pets and move any vehicles left behind to higher ground when evacuating.

Those who evacuate are asked to call the Hatboro Police Department at 215-675-2834 or e-mail info@hatborogov.org to provide officials with your name, address and a telephone number where you can be reached.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As part of the mayor's declaration, which was signed by Hawkes and borough manager Steven Plaugher on Friday, emergency management coordinator Bob Stauch is given the direction to "take all appropriate actions needed to alleviate the emergency response actions deemed necessary." Further, it authorizes Hatboro officials to "act as necessary" in employing temporary workers, renting equipment, purchasing supplies and entering into contracts for the performance of public work.

Hatboro will open its Emergency Operation Center at 8 p.m. Saturday. Residents can call the EOC - which is located at borough hall - at 215-443-9100 with any questions. For emergencies, including downed wires, residents are asked to call 911.


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