The Greater Philadelphia Area
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia region has been experiencing a record breaking winter. The number and size of the snowfalls have set several records. There has also been a wide variety of storms: snow storms, ice storms, and thundersnow. The ice storm in early February was a record breaker for people that lost electricity. Some people also experienced the longest length of time without power.
NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County residents who have storm-related needs, questions, or damage can now call 2-1-1 to find available resources, information, and report their damage. United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, which operates the 2-1-1 SEPA service, is working with the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety to provide this service. The 2-1-1 number is for damage reports. To report current emergencies, however, residents should still call 9-1-1.
“As the power is restored and we begin to evaluate the impact of the storm, having a central number to call for information and initial damage reporting will make things easier for our residents,” said Josh Shapiro, chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners, who also was without power for three days and suffered significant tree damage to his property. “Many of our local municipalities are still busy restoring services, and dealing with immediate needs. This service frees them up to get things back up and running more quickly.”
Storm-related damage reported to 2-1-1 will be passed along to county and local emergency management officials, who may follow up with the resident. Important storm-related damage to report includes water damage and damage done by falling trees, both structural and non-structural. The 2-1-1 SEPA number is available between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. Storm resource information is available online 24-hours a day at http://www.211sepa.org/latest_news.aspx. There is also an alternate toll-free number: 1-866-964-7922.