Philly snowstorm: Who to call for which emergencies, from downed trees to power lines and more
Plus: Where to look for updates on road closures and transit service.
File: A trash truck outfitted with a plow rolls down Cumberland Street during a winter storm in Philadelphia on Feb. 18, 2021. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
Winter storm latest
- Snowstorm FAQs: Here’s everything to know, including the latest forecast, weather advisories, travel impact and more.
- Get or give help: Here are extreme cold resources across the Delaware Valley, and here’s how you can help your unhoused neighbors amid frigid temps.
- Be prepared: Take these steps to protect yourself — and your pets — and here’s how to keep your pipes from freezing in cold weather.
With the Philadelphia region bracing for significant snowfall and powerful winds, downed trees and power outages are possible, among other issues.
Here’s what to know about who to contact for which scenarios:
Key numbers to know
- 911: Life-threatening emergencies
- 211: Shelter, food, utilities and recovery resources
- 988: Mental health crises
Pennsylvania officials urge residents to only call 911 for life-threatening incidents like vehicle crashes or serious medical situations. If residents are unable to call 911, they may text 911 instead.
PECO
PECO outages can be reported online, by using the PECO mobile app, by texting ADDOUTAGE to MYPECO (697326) or by calling PECO directly at 1-800-841-4141.
Residents who smell natural gas or see downed power lines are urged to leave the area immediately and call 1-800-841-4141.
PGW
Philadelphia Gas Works’ 24-hour emergency hotline will remain open for emergency calls. All gas leaks or gas-related emergencies should be reported immediately by calling 215-235-1212.
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Pennsylvania traffic and transit
- Road conditions and travel restrictions are communicated via 511PA and the 511PA app.
- Drivers can sign up for personalized 511PA alerts.
- Residents may call 511 for updates.
SEPTA
SEPTA riders should check SEPTA.org/alerts or the SEPTA app for the latest service updates.
Philadelphia emergencies and severe weather
Residents can sign up for ReadyPhila alerts online or by texting ReadyPhila to 888-777.
Most alerts are available in 11 languages: English, French, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Swahili and American Sign Language.
311
Philadelphia’s 311 call center will be operational during the storm, but requests won’t be processed until the snow emergency is over.
Residents can make 311 requests through Philly311’s online portal, the Philly311 app or by emailing philly311@phila.gov. City officials encourage residents to use the app to be able to attach pictures.
If a tree falls during a storm and poses an immediate safety threat, residents are urged to call 911. Otherwise, residents may call the city’s non-emergency number, 311. Arborists from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are on-call to respond to tree emergencies.
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