Lower Merion, Narberth Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

As Hurricane Sandy approaches the Northeast, government agencies of all sizes and local-event planners are deciding how to respond.

The Lower Merion School District was still planning as of Friday afternoon to have its school board meeting Monday night, at which a new contract with teachers and other employees could be finalized, district spokesman Doug Young said. Any cancellations of meetings or classes will be announced promptly at lmsd.org and on television, and also through other channels to parents.

Lower Merion Township emergency management officials met Friday afternoon, township spokesman Tom Walsh said. Residents were advised to continue checking www.lowermerion.org for relevant warnings and information about services.

According to the township's advisory Friday afternoon:

"We may receive four to 12 inches of rain between Sunday evening and Wednesday. Very strong winds are also likely. As a result, we can expect long-term power outages, downed trees, flooding, and road closures."

Residents were advised to prepare accordingly. Power outages can be reported to PECO by calling 800-841-4141.

Township committee meetings were still scheduled for Monday and Tuesday evenings as of early Saturday morning.

Narberth borough has moved its Monday night budget meeting to Thursday, assistant borough manager Fred Hansell told Patch. The borough also issued the following advisory:

• Move indoors anything that could be blown around by high winds; such items as lawn chairs, barbecues, outdoor tables and sun umbrellas and even Halloween decorations. All of these can become projectiles during high wind events.
• There is a distinct possibility of prolonged power outages, collect food and water to last about 3 days.
• Clear your gutters. Clear leaves from the street so that they do not block storm drains.
• Don’t travel during the storm, but if you must, DO NOT drive around road closed signs or attempt to drive through high water; only 6” of water can float a car.
• Make sure you have batteries for your flashlights
• After the storm, DO NOT attempt to move downed wires, the utility companies will be out in-force making repairs, but this may take up to several days.

Montgomery County also issued tips for getting through the hurricane.

The Fall Festival and ribbon cuttings at the Cynwyd Heritage Trail in Bala Cynwyd on Sunday were still on as of Friday afternoon.

However, the Merion Park Civic Association pumpkin-decorating event, also set for Sunday, has been canceled, the association announced late Friday night.

Have you organized an upcoming event that you want readers to know the status of? Are you planning to attend an event and want to know whether it's still going to happen? Tell us in the comments section below.