QUESTION OF THE WEEK
From
Hatboro
Sent
Sun, Aug 30 @ 3:13pm
Description
Questions Received This Week
One of the most valuable parts of serving our community is hearing directly from residents. This week, Borough Hall received questions concerning flooding.
Over the past week, we heard from several residents and saw comments regarding flooding concerns throughout the Borough. While flooding can be frustrating and concerning, it is important to remember that flooding is not unique to Hatboro. Communities across the region experienced significant rainfall in a very short period of time, creating conditions commonly known as flash flooding.
While the Borough cannot control the weather, we can make sure we are prepared and ready to respond. We regularly share weather-related information to help keep residents informed and aware of changing conditions. Behind the scenes, Borough staff work year-round to help reduce flooding impacts and keep our community safe.
Our Public Works Department continuously maintains Borough infrastructure by clearing storm drains, sweeping roads, and cleaning portions of the creek that are Borough-owned. Staff also remain ready to respond to road closures in low-lying areas and near waterways. With several creeks and streams running through and around Hatboro, certain locations can become susceptible to flooding during heavy rain events.
We consistently remind motorists of one very important safety message: "Turn Around, Don't Drown." Driving around barricades or through flooded roadways is extremely dangerous. Even a small amount of moving water can create hazardous conditions and put both drivers and first responders at risk.
Our Fire Department stands ready to assist the Police Department when rescues or emergency responses are needed during flooding events. Once storms pass, Borough crews are back at work clearing debris, maintaining infrastructure, sweeping roads, and removing obstructions from waterways wherever possible.
Residents play an important role as well. If you live near a creek or waterway, please help by keeping the area clear of debris and ensuring that loose materials on your property cannot be washed into the water. We are aware that debris, including dumpsters and other large objects, may occasionally originate from properties outside the Borough. When this occurs, we work with the responsible property owners to address the situation and have those items removed.
Current forecasts indicate there is a possibility of additional fast-moving storms in the coming week that could produce high rainfall totals in a short amount of time. When rainfall falls faster than the ground, storm drains, and waterways can handle it, flash flooding can occur because the water simply has nowhere to go.
As always, please stay weather aware, use caution when traveling through low-lying areas, and never drive through floodwaters. Not only does doing so put your life at risk, but it can also endanger the first responders who may be called to assist. Floodwaters can move quickly, are often deeper than they appear, and can become extremely dangerous in a matter of moments.
Please remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown. Your safety is our top priority.
This notification was posted by Hatboro. Hatboro is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
