Message from Telford Borough & More Storm Update Considerations

Good evening, folks and Happy Friday,

Below is a copy of the NOW declared snow emergency declaration made by Telford Borough Police Chief Randall S. Floyd. As stated below, please follow the ordinance and when doing so, please think about the emergency services, and public works department. Additionally, for any residents that are a part of the Telford Volunteer Fire Company coverage area, please note the following municipalities have also declared snow emergencies:

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THE MAYOR OF SOUDERTON BOROUGH HAS DECLARED A SNOW EMERGENCY BEGINNING 7:00PM ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026

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Residents are asked to cooperate and use caution while traveling. Thank you for helping keep Telford Borough safe during this winter weather event.

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Weather Update:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire Southeastern PA region. Our area here in Telford is expected to receive between 10 – 15 inches of snow, and ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch.

Based on the predicted weather, at this moment in time, PLEASE refrain from driving on Sunday and stay indoors. Having the new issuance of ice in the forecast possess a new threat for the weekend making normal Sunday tasks dangerous.

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Also, as a reminder from our friends at PPL Electric & Utilities, and PECO Excellon Corp.

⚠️ If You See Downed or Damaged Power Lines

• Stay away! Always assume any downed wire is “live” (energized) — even if it’s not sparking.
• Keep at least 30 feet away, and do not touch the line, anything it’s touching (like fences or trees), or any standing water nearby.
• Report outages immediately through:
  • Website: ppl.electric.com/outage
  • App: PPL Alerts & Outages
  • Phone: 1‑800‑342‑5775
• Sign up for text or email outage alerts if you haven’t already.
• Stay away from downed lines — always assume they’re live.
• If you rely on medical equipment requiring electricity, PPL recommends preparing alternate power sources or shelter options in advance of the storm.

💡 If the Power Goes Out

• Report it right away:
  • Use the PECO outage center online or the mobile app.
  • Call 1‑800‑841‑4141 (say “Power Outage” when prompted).
  • You can also text “OUT” to PECO’s short code 697326 (MYPECO) if your mobile number is associated with your account.
  • Please do not call 911 to report an outage, unless you believe it poses a significant fire or safety threat to the public.
• Stay clear of repair crews while they work — they may need to manage high‑voltage hazards or conduct switching operations.
• Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, computers, chargers, etc.) to avoid surges when power is restored.
• Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to preserve food as long as possible.
• Use flashlights, not candles, to reduce fire risk.
• If you’re using portable heat sources or a generator, ensure proper ventilation — never run them indoors or in garages.

🧊 PECO’s Winter Safety Reminders

• Stock up on extra batteries and a backup power source for essential medical devices.
• Stay informed with storm and outage alerts by text or email — you can sign up in your PECO account settings.
• After the storm, check outdoor meters for damage or ice buildup and report any visible hazards before touching them.

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What does this mean for our residents involving Ice Threats?

Ice storms can be deceptively dangerous because they bring freezing rain — liquid rain that freezes on contact with cold surfaces — coating everything with a layer of ice. Here’s a detailed look at the main hazards and why they’re so serious:

⚠️ 1. Power Outages & Infrastructure Damage

• Ice accumulation on power lines and trees adds tremendous weight — as little as ½ inch of ice can cause branches and utility lines to snap.
• Falling limbs or entire trees can take out multiple miles of power lines.
• Extended outages can occur, leaving homes without heat in subfreezing temperatures.

🚗 2. Extremely Hazardous Travel

• Even a thin glaze of ice creates zero traction on roads. Vehicle control becomes nearly impossible — braking and steering effectiveness drop dramatically.
• Bridges and overpasses freeze first, catching drivers off guard.
• Black ice (nearly invisible ice) is a leading contributor to serious accidents during ice storms.

🧊 3. Structural & Property Damage

• Ice can weigh up to 500 pounds per 100 square feet depending on thickness.
• Roofs, gutters, and exterior structures can collapse or deform under heavy loads.
• Ice expansion can also damage pipes, causing bursting or leaks once they thaw.

💨 4. Falling Ice & Tree Hazards

• Ice-covered tree limbs often break as winds increase.
• Falling branches or sheets of ice from buildings can be life-threatening.
• Avoid walking under trees, roof edges, or power lines during and shortly after an ice storm.

❄️ 5. Cold Exposure & Carbon Monoxide Risk

• During extended power losses, some people turn to indoor generators or improper heating methods.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning becomes a major hazard.
• Exposure to freezing temperatures for long periods can cause hypothermia or frostbite.

🧰 Safety Tips

• Stay off roads unless absolutely essential.
• Keep flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, and a full charge on your devices.
• Never use a grill or generator indoors — always keep them at least 20 ft from buildings.
• After the storm, look up when walking around — falling ice or limbs remain dangerous even hours later.