Full Notification

As we prepare for Hurricane Sandy, The Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department is warning residents to be prepared for the potential for a significant weather event, starting tonight and intensifying Monday into Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and high-wind warning as a result of this storm, and that may change as the storm moves inland.

As a result of this storm, the BLRPD is undertaking measures to prepare, such as increasing patrol personnel available to residents throughout the next two days.

Police are asking residents to prepare for dangerous winds and flooding. This includes:

1. Staying away from trees and large branches during hind wind periods. An Upper Macungie resident was seriously injured when he was struck by a large branch in a recent storm. It can happen suddenly and unexpectedly, and have severe results.

2. Avoid flooded areas. Driving through flooded roadways is a dangerous risk, and puts officers and fire personnel at risk as we must risk our lives as well to save you. It is against the law to drive around police barricades when the road has been closed, and we will be aggressively enforcing these laws throughout the next few days. Please, if you don't have to drive, then don't.

3. Secure outdoor items like patio tables, chairs, and grills. High winds can certainly blow these items around, which could cause injuries and property damage.

4. Prepare your emergency kit now. That includes batteries, non-perishable food such as nuts, cereals, and granola bars, water, blankets, medications, tools, glasses, etc. Plan for widespread power outages that may last several days.

Again, our police department has been mobilized and will be ready to help residents 24 hours a day. Contact police, fire, and ambulances for emergencies by dialing 911. Non-emergency calls can be made by dialing 610-437-5252.

I will be using my Facebook profile ("Ci Pete Nickischer) to update residents on road conditions and weather conditions throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday. Please send a friend request and keep me updated in your backyard as well. Any large scale emergencies will be relayed through Nixle.

Thank you, and be safe.

Inv. Peter Nickischer

Instructions:

See instructions above.