New Chesco website addresses emergencies

CHESTER COUNTY

Website offers help in emergency preparedness

WEST CHESTER Chester County has launched a new website, ReadyChesco.org, to mark September as National Preparedness Month and to encourage residents to be ready for emergencies.

The website tells people to know their risks, sign up for emergency alerts, and make an emergency kit.

The top three risks to Chester County residents are severe thunderstorms, flooding, and snow and ice storms, the county said. The website also urges people to consider how they would respond to other potential emergencies, such as chemical spills, tornadoes, flu outbreaks, and active shooters. The website provides resources for planning for emergency situations from agencies such as the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It also encourages residents to sign up for ReadyNotifyPA.org, which sends local alerts about emergencies, severe weather, and road closures to cellphones via text message and e-mail. ReadyChesco.org also lists essentials that should be in every emergency kit, including enough food, water, and other supplies to last at least 72 hours. Preparedness postcards will be available at every library branch and Wawa store in the county.   - Michaelle Bond