‘Turn Around Don’t Drown’ Bill Passes House

The Bill, introduced by Rep. Todd Stephens, would provide a $250 - $500 for motorists passing police flood barricades.

A bill, sponsored by state Rep. Todd Stephens (R-151) that passed last week, is designed to keep motorists away from storm-flooded areas, according to a Montgomerynews.com article. Stephens has described House Bill 2199, also known as the ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown” legislation, as “common sense.” The bill would fine motorists $250 - $500 for ignoring police barricades set up to prevent such motorists from entering storm-flooded areas. The fine would be in conjunction with the subsequent rescue, towing or medical care of such motorists, who became stranded in the floodwaters. In addition to the fine, such motorists would also receive two points on their driving record; but does stop short of suspending the motorist’s driver’s license. …

• Photos (1)

New Bill Would Up Fines on Motorists Who Ignore Flood Barriers

Representative Todd Stephens hopes to introduce "Turn Around, Don't Drown" legislation that would stiffen penalties for motorists who ignore road closures during flooding.

In the best possible scenarios, emergency responders who rescue a driver from floodwaters look back a few years later and chuckle at the centenarian who was out to buy bananas in the middle of a hurricane. In the worst cases, they look back and remember the friend and colleague they lost in the raging currents while attempting to rescue a victim who shouldn’t have been there in the first place. With soon-to-be-proposed legislation, representative Todd Stephens (R-151) hopes to curb the frequency of both those occurrences. Stephens' bill, called "Turn Around, Don't Drown," would impose a fine of $500 for driving around a barrier closing a road for hazardous conditions. It also calls for a 90-day license suspension if the driver's vehicle …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (3)

Feds and County Still Helping Irene Victims

Upper Moreland, which was among the worst of the county's most damaged townships, has residents still recovering from the storms.

Giant Donates over $100,000 to Natural Disaster Victims

Following its in-house donation campaign, Giant Food Stores and Martin's Food Markets were able to raise $103,097 for victims of the recent natural disasters.

Following the recent natural disasters that took their toll on local communities throughout the operating areas of GIANT Food Stores and MARTIN’S Food Markets in September, over $100,000 will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid in the ongoing relief efforts. GIANT/MARTIN’S matched customer and associate donations made in store from Sept. 17 – Oct. 1 at all store checkouts. In addition, vendor partner Hatfield Quality Meats also contributed $20,000 as part of the GIANT/MARTIN’S in-store campaign, bringing the total donation to $103,097. “Thousands of our neighbors were hit hard by the recent heavy weather caused by Hurricane Irene and the resulting flooding and I’d like to thank our customers, associates, and Hatfield Quality Meats …

• Photos (1)

Patch Editors Give 5 at Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

Patch editors from throughout Montgomery County helped restore nearly 100 flood-damaged trees at the Trust during Patch's community service Give 5 program.

As part of Patch's commitment to community service, Patch editors from throughout Montgomery County travelled to Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, for a day of service. Patch calls its community service program, "Give 5," as in the editors spent over five hours at the Trust, pulling invasive porcelean berry vines from trees and straigtening nearly 100 saplings that were damaged by recent flooding. Most of the editors were astonished at how quickly the service opportunity went, and how much fun they had working in the woods. "I may not want to return to the land of technology," David Powell, Patch Montgomery County associate regional editor, said. --- For the full story, please click on the above video.

•  2 Comments
• Photos (22)
• Videos (1)

Keith Heffintrayer

6:41 pm on Saturday, November 5, 2011

Someone desperately needs to teach Leann how to use a mallet. She's trying to gain upward and downward leverage simultaneously.   more ›

County Opening Disaster Recovery Center

The new center will be located in Conshohocken. Residents affected by recent Tropical Storm Lee flooding are not yet eligible for aid.

A disaster recovery center intended to help Montgomery County residents and businesses who sustained damage during Hurricane Irene last month will open Wednesday in Conshohocken, the county announced this afternoon. The facility will be located at 1175 Conshohocken Road and will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. The center will remain open until FEMA decides to close it, said John Corcoran, Montgomery County Director of Communications. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, and several other state and federal agencies will be on hand. "Uninsured and under-insured homeowners, renters and businesses may be eligible…

• Photos (1)

Township Announces Disaster Relief Assistance

FEMA provides temporary housing assistance.

The major disaster declaration for the  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, FEMA-4025-DR, has been amended to include Individual Assistance for Montgomery County.  Individual Assistance can include temporary housing assistance for eligible applicants such as rental assistance and repair assistance.  Individuals in the designated counties are encouraged to register with FEMA.  This assistance is for Hurricane Irene only. HOW TO REGISTER: Telephone - 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY at 800-462-7585.  Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 800-621-3362.  Internet - Individuals may apply for disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.  By smartphone or tablet, use m.fema.gov - through FEMA's App for android phone, which …

• Photos (1)

Giant to Collect Donations for Victims of Recent Natural Disasters

Giant Food Store will collect donations from Sept. 17 to 26.

In light of the recent natural disasters that have taken their toll on local communities throughout the operating areas of Giant Food Stores and Martin's Food Markets, the grocery companies announced that they will collect donations in all stores on behalf of the American Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts. Beginning Saturday, Sept. 17, and continuing through Monday, Sept. 26, customers can make a donation at any Giant or Martin's checkout. “Thousands of customers in communities throughout our operating area were hit hard by recent heavy weather,” said Rick Herring, division president. “All of the monies collected will be donated to local American Red Cross chapters to assist families who continue to struggle with basic necessities and…

• Photos (1)

Township Requests Storm Damage Assesments

Residents are encouraged to report damages to the township's Director of Emergency Services.

The Township is assessing the storm's impact on private property with County, State and Federal officials.  Please report damage (other than basement flooding) to the Director of Emergency Services at 267-607-1030 or e-mail rdrennen@uppermoreland.org.  Please include the type of damage. Information courtesy of Upper Moreland Township.

• Photos (1)

In Their Own Words: Garrett Family Talks About Davisville Road Water Rescue

After the rescue, the family was ordered to evacuate their home for the duration of the storm.

This video-article is a first-hand account of the Aug. 28 Davisville Road water rescue, and an Upper Moreland Family reaction to Hurrican Irene.

•  2 Comments
• Photos (13)
• Videos (1)