Hatboro Fire Marshal

Time to be weather aware again with the potential for severe weather approaching this weekend:

Significant event details and developments:
1. There is a risk of thunderstorms and localized flash flooding across the county early Friday into Saturday, with the greatest risk for flooding occurring in the far eastern end of the county.

2. Rainfall totals for this event could reach 1.5 inches in the eastern half of the county and 0.5 inches in the western half.

3. Localized flash flooding could close roadways with poor drainage.

From the National Weather Service

Saturday morning update: Dangerously hot and humid conditions are once again expected across the region today. The worst conditions are expected generally along and southeast of the Interstate 95 corridor where an excessive heat warning is in effect. For much of the rest of the region (with the exception of the southern Poconos), an heat advisory is in effect. Regardless if you are in the advisory or warning area, stay hydrated today, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on your neighbors and friends who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Additionally, as we have already seen early this morning, more showers and thunderstorms are expected today. We aren't expecting widespread storms, so unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view point) not every location will see storms. However, the storms that develop will be capable of heavy downpours. Frequent lightning and gusty winds will also be a concern with stronger storms.

For the latest detailed forecast for your location, visit www.weather.gov/phi

Be weather aware!

Tomorrow! Fill a truck and support Hatpacks!
10a to 1p at the firehouse, 36 Byberry Rd!

PRESS RELEASE

RE: JUNE 20TH STRUCTURE FIRE
132 S YORK ROAD

Please take a moment to prepare for the possibility of severe weather and for the excessive heat.

Significant event details and developments:

1. The Excessive Heat Warning was expanded to include Hunterdon County, NJ The severe thunderstorm risk has increased with the Slight (level 2) Risk expanded to include the entire region.

2. A Heat Advisory and Excessive Heat Warning continues for dangerous heat across our area through today, as heat indices peak between 100-110 degrees through this afternoon for most of the region.

3. The dangerous heat continues through today, with the peak of this heat and most significant impacts anticipated. The chance for severe thunderstorms will be greatest between 2 to 11 PM. Attached are timing graphics for the severe thunderstorm potential for Allentown, PA, Philadelphia, PA, Dover, DE, and Seaside Heights, NJ.

4. This heatwave is effecting our entire region, including eastern PA, NJ, DE, and eastern MD.

5. This prolonged excessive heat can cause heat related stress, particularly among at-risk populations. Those especially vulnerable include elderly, children, those with pre-existing conditions, especially if they live within or near urban centers without air conditioning. Very warm and also humid conditions at night results in less relief through the rest of this weekend, especially in urban centers. Impacts likely to heat sensitive industries and infrastructure.

6. Severe thunderstorms may have the impact of damaging winds that could cause tree damage and downed power lines. A few brief tornadoes cannot be ruled out either, especially along and west of the I-95 corridor. Heavy rain could result in localized flash flooding, making travel difficult. Some roads may become impassable, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

7. There is a high confidence regarding the continued dangerous heat through today; and moderate confidence regarding severe thunderstorms, mostly this afternoon and this evening.

We are officially in a Heat Advisory through Friday night.

Remember a few safety tips:

Stay inside if you can, utilize air conditioning and fans

If you have to go out, wear lightweight, light colored clothing.

Cold showers and baths are helpful.

Hydrate as much as you can.

Check on your elderly neighbors and young children.

Significant event details and developments:
1. A Heat Advisory is now in effect through Friday night for heat indices of 95-100 degrees during the afternoon and evening hours. An Excessive Heat Watch is now in effect for Saturday (6/22) through Sunday (6/23).

2. The excessive heat is still expected to build over the coming days, with the most significant impacts occurring at the end of the week and into the weekend. Relief may not arrive until Monday (6/24) of next week in the form of a cold front, though unfortunately, it remains too early for specific details on when that front will finally move through. Until then, heat indices are at risk of reaching or exceeding 100 degrees for many areas Saturday and Sunday.

3. This heatwave is effecting our entire region, including eastern PA, NJ, DE, and eastern MD.

4. The prolonged nature of the excessive heat can cause heat related stress, particularly among at-risk populations. Those especially vulnerable include elderly, children, those with pre-existing conditions, especially if they live near urban centers without air conditioning. There will also be less relief at night going through the week as nighttime low temperatures will also be increasing, especially for the urban centers.

From the National Weather Service:

After a warm and sunny Thursday, we could be looking at a rather stormy Friday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon and evening with some storms becoming severe. Damaging wind gusts and some large hail will be the main threat with these severe storms. Areas north and west of the I-95 corridor will have the greatest risk. Some localized urban and poor drainage flooding will be possible as well.

POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER!

Significant event details and developments:
1. Two rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected tonight (5/26) into Monday (5/27) (Memorial Day). The first round will arrive late tonight, while the second round of showers and storms will impact the area from Monday afternoon into Monday night.

2. Some of the thunderstorms could be severe and capable of producing heavy rain leading to flash flooding. The primary risk for severe storms is damaging straight line winds and large hail.

3.The primary period of concern for the severe and heavy rain/flooding risk is with the second round. The second round is expected from late Monday afternoon through late Monday evening.

Reminder to practice safe grilling this weekend/tomorrow!

1. For gas grills, make sure you check for any leaks prior to using.
2. Keep your grill clean and remove grease/fat.
3. Keep your grill a safe distance away from the home, and any other eaves, buildings, or branches.
4. Never leave your grill unattended.

More then a quarter of grill fires started on a deck or balcony, so practice safe grilling tips so we don't have to pay you a visit.

Now at Borough Hall! Pet stickers!

Did you know that almost 500,000 pets are affected annually by fires? Unfortunately, pets are also the cause of 1,000 house fires a year.

Check out the red cross link for some important safety tips for keeping you and your pet safe in the event of an emergency.

We are excited to offer free pet stickers to any resident who needs one. You can stop by Borough Hall during open hours and get one, or call down and let us know you need one! 215-443-9100. Pet stickers allow first responders to quickly identify if there are pets in the home and save valuable time!

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/pet-fire-safety.html

Weather Alert!

We have another significant event approaching our area. Please be prepared, charger devices, have flashlights ready, And remember to never drive through flooded waters or around barricades.

Significant event details and developments:

1. A strong cold front is forecast to approach our region Thursday. This front will look to cross through our region during the Thursday night to Friday time frame.

2. Periods of moderate to heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms are anticipated starting Thursday afternoon and ending Friday morning. Due to the heavy rainfall, there may be some urban, small creek, and poor drainage flooding.

3. Gusty winds are expected to begin late Thursday and continue into Friday. Wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph are possible Thursday evening into Friday morning with the strongest winds anticipated over the coastal areas.

4. Storm total rainfall amounts are forecast to range between 0.5-1.5 inches across the area. Localized amounts up to 2.0 inches are possible. Higher amounts will be found north and west of the I-95 corridor.

A wind advisory is in effect until 2am Sunday.

Charge devices, have flashlights, and be prepared should you lose power.

Report at power outages to PECO at 1-800-841-4141 or report directly on the app.

Don't approach downed wires as they may still be live even if they aren't arcing or sparking.

Another update from the National Weather Service

1. A Flood Watch has been issued for Montgomery County and surrounding areas
2. 2 to 4 inches expected. Minor to moderate river flooding possible. Urban and small stream flooding possible
3. Strong northerly winds. Tree damage and power outages possible.
4. Rain will begin tonight with the heaviest rainfall during daytime hours on Saturday
5. Winds begin to increase Saturday afternoon, with the strongest winds anticipated Saturday Night and Sunday morning.

Updated information regarding this weekend's weather!

1. A Flood Watch has been issued for Montgomery County and surrounding areas
2. Widespread heavy rainfall amounts of 2-3", locally 4" plus
3. Strong wind gusts 35 - 45 mph possible
4. Rain will begin tonight with the heaviest rainfall during daytime hours on Saturday
5. Widespread heavy rainfall could lead to stream and river flooding
6. Strong winds could lead to downed trees and power outages

Be Weather Aware- Significant Storm!

1. A widespread 1 to 3+ inches of rainfall is forecast from Friday night through Saturday evening, with the highest amounts east of Philadelphia.
2. Excessive rainfall could lead to roadway, river and stream flooding.
3. Strong northerly winds are forecast to develop late Saturday into Saturday night. Peak wind gusts near 35-45 mph may result in some tree damage leading to isolated power outages.

Today would be a good day to prepare! Secure anything that could blow away, charge any portable devices you have, charge flashlights and have batteries.

Don't drive into flooded roadways or around barricades/closed roadways. It only takes a few inches of water to move a car.

Be weather aware!

Change your clocks, change your batteries!

Working smoke detectors save lives!

From the National Weather Service:

Snowfall amounts have increased across the area. Winter Storm Warnings are now in effect for Philly and the DE Valley for 4-6" of snow. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for the rest of the forecast area for 2-4" of snow.

https://www.weather.gov/wrh/TextProduct?product=wswphi

SNOW REMOVAL!

A few important reminders about snow removal.

Once snow stops falling, snow must be removed from all sidewalks, fire hydrants, handicap ramps, curbs, and curb cutouts, within 24 hours.

A path of at least 36 inches wide needs to be made.

Do not shovel, snowblow, plow, or throw snow into the street, onto a fire hydrant, or the sidewalk.

Be safe and stay warm!

Time to be weather aware!

Significant event details and developments:

Montgomery County has been placed into a Winter Weather Advisory.

Precipitation is beginning as rain late tonight, changing to mainly snow. Snow may impact the Tuesday morning commute. Snow total is estimated around 1-2”.

Widespread rainfall amounts near 1” are forecast where mainly rain occurs. Fresh water flooding is not expected to pose a threat, although rainfall may exacerbate coastal flooding.

Strong winds with gusts of 40 to 50 mph possible, may result in isolated wind damage and power outages. Mainly along the coastlines of NJ and DE.

Totals could increase or decrease based on how the storm moves. Be prepared now!

A reminder with the colder weather upon us to always plug any appliance directly into your wall. Power strips and wall adapters are not designed to handle the high flow of current produced by space heaters and other appliances. If plugged into an extension cord or power strip, they can quickly overheat causing a fire.

This weekend we fall back! Reminder to check and change your batteries in your smoke and CO2 alarms!

Reminder! Tonight is Trunk or Treat at the Pennypack School! We hope to see you all there!

Electrical appliances are becoming a very popular item in kitchens these days. Air fryers and slow cookers add a level of convenience when it comes to cooking, but do you know how to be safe when using them?

Slow cookers and crock pots are designed to be left on while you aren't home, but make sure to keep flammable items away from it. Ensure it is being used in a safe and secure place.

Pressure coolers are designed to cook food faster then using the stove or oven. They use hot steam, so ensuring proper use will prevent burns. Don't cover the steam release valve and never leave home when using.

Air fryers are very popular. Make sure your air fryer has enough space to vent. Don't leave home when using. Clean out grease and food debris after ever use (make sure to unplug and cool before cleaning).

Hot plates and griddles/skillets are a popular alternative. Stay with these when cooking. Don't touch the hot surface and unplug when not in use and before cleaning.

These tips along will help you stay safe in the kitchen!

Cooking brings family and friends together, gives you a creative outlet, and can be relaxing! But do you know what to do in the event of a cooking fire?

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fire and home injuries. Check out some of these safety tips!

If you have a small grease fire, smother the flames with a lid. Turn the burner off and leave the pan covered. Never use water.

If your oven is on fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Have an extinguisher in the kitchen that can be used if necessary.

If you have any doubts about fighting a small fire, get out! Close the door behind you to keep the fire contained and dial 9-1-1. Get to a safe meeting place and await emergency services arrival.

Stay tuned for more tips!

It's Fire Prevention Month! This year's topic is "Cooking Safety starts with YOU!"

When cooking, always cook with caution. Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.

If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and don't leave home. Use a timer to set a reminder.

Keep things that can catch on fire, like pot holders or oven mitts, away from the stovetop.

Stay tuned for more important fire safety lessons!

From the National Weather Service for today's weather

Today's forecast once again calls for the potential for severe weather. Please be weather aware! Be prepared ahead of time.

Update: The smell and smoky condition is from the wildfires in Canada. It should dissipate as the day progresses.

The Borough is receiving numerous calls about the smell of smoke in and around the Hatboro area. This may be a widespread issue. We are checking on what the cause might be. Once we have an answer we will update everyone.

Stop by and join us for National Night Out!