Gov. Corbett Says Federal Government, Outside Utilities Helping Ice Storm Recovery
By Brad Segall
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (CBS) -- Governor Tom Corbett came to Montgomery County, Pa. today to see firsthand the devastation that was caused by our most recent winter storm (see related stories).
The governor revealed that President Obama has signed a declaration of emergency for the five-county Philadelphia area. That means the area can work closely with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) resources to help get everyone back on line.
Corbett toured a section Blue Bell, Pa. where PECO crews were working to fix downed power lines, and he urged those without electricity to be patient.
"This storm is, in some respects, as bad or maybe even worse than Hurricane Sandy," Corbett.
Corbett said that in this storm, workers are dealing with frigid temperatures, ice and snow.
"I overheard one of the workers talking about, when they're up there with the trees covered with ice and snow, often times they're called 'widowmakers' because they can cause accidents that can injure people or, unfortunately, kill people."
The governor says crews will be working 16-hour shifts to restore everyone's power. He says more than 5,000 technicians are in the area, many from out of town, working to restore power. And he urged people without power to try to find a shelter or other warm location, and not to try to ride it out in a cold house.
