From Phila Office of Emergency Management

The City of Philadelphia is preparing, and asking residents to prepare for  major flooding and power outages in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy. A Flood Watch, Coastal Flood Watch and High Wind Watch is currently in effect beginning Sunday evening into Tuesday afternoon for the City of Philadelphia.
Heavy rain will begin Sunday and continue through Tuesday.  Between 4  -8  of rain is forecasted for Philadelphia. Significant localized and coastal flooding is anticipated for the city. Residents and businesses in low lying areas with a history of flooding during storms should prepare immediately. Those areas include: sections of Manayunk, along Main Street; the Eastwick section in Southwest Philadelphia;  Kelly and King Drives along the Schuylkill River; Lincoln Drive along the Wissahickon Creek; and Delaware River along Columbus Boulevard, from Spring Garden Street to Washington Avenue. In addition, flooding is anticipated on local creeks and streams.  For those living in flood prone areas you should make arrangements to stay with family and friends beginning 2pm Sunday.   If residents cannot do so, they can go to one of the three shelters the City will open at 4pm Sunday.  They are:  
  Roxborough High School located at 6498 Ridge Avenue
  West Philadelphia High School located at 4901 Chestnut Street
  Fels High School Located at 5500 Langdon Street

Residents should call 311 for updates or to report issues.  The 311 Call Center has extended its normal operating hours and is currently operational 24/7 to help residents cope with the storm. 

Cots, blankets, food and beverages will be provided at the shelters but residents should bring a "Go Bag" of emergency supplies with them. Supplies should include:
- Copies of important documents, such as insurance cards, photo IDs, birth certificates, deeds, and proof of address, in a waterproof and portable container
- Medication
- List of medication names, dosages, and a schedule when to take them. 
- List of doctor s contact information.
- Personal care items: hand sanitizer, toothbrush and toothpaste, and wipes 
- Child care supplies or other special care items

Other items that may be needed at a shelter:
- Extra set of car and house keys 
- Credit and ATM cards
- Cash, especially in small bills like ones, fives, and tens  
- Flashlight and extra batteries 
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries 
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight rain gear
- Contact and meeting place information for your household
- Small regional map

If residents wish to evacuate with their pets, they can bring them to the shelters.   They should also bring appropriate pet supplies including:
- Leash
- Pet food and treats
- Pet Identification
- Pet carriers
- Veterinarian Records

The City is preparing for a partial Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation at 4pm Sunday and a full activation at 6am Monday.

Philadelphians should stay informed during the storm and flooding by listening to local news for critical updates.  Weather information is available from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/phi  

Residents can also sign up for emergency text alerts from the City's ReadyNotifyPA Emergency Public Notification at www.phila.gov/ready  
Updates will also be provided at www.twitter.com/PhilaOEM