09/01/2011

MAYOR LEIGHTON'S LETTER TO THE EDITOR ON HURRICANE IRENE

 

August 30, 2011

 

Dear Editor,

           The community response to Hurricane Irene over the weekend once again displayed the strength and resiliency of our city and its people. In preparation for a storm such as Irene, one never knows just how severe it may be and we as a community always remember vividly the events of 1972. I was pleased to see people heeding the advice of their elected representatives to take the storm seriously, stock their houses with food and water, and prepare for the possibility of the loss of electricity. They exercised caution but did not display panic.

            The City of Wilkes-Barre itself took several precautionary measures including removing all creeks of debris prior to the storm, cleaning hundreds of catch basins, activation of the Solomon Creek flood protection system, and adding extra police, fire, and DPW personnel to monitor the creeks and low-lying areas on an hourly basis through the storm. All city personnel were briefed regularly on the latest tracks of Hurricane Irene and were ready to implement the city's emergency response plan should it become necessary. As a direct result of the extensive preparation, the city withstood the brunt of the storm with minimal damage. The intensity of the rain early Sunday morning prompted concerns that Solomon Creek possibly could overflow the channel walls. We ordered a targeted evacuation of the immediate area that displaced approximately 3,000 residents for 6 hours. We gave residents enough time to protect their properties and personal belongings and seek safety with friends and relatives or if necessary, the emergency shelter at G.A.R. Thankfully, we were able to get people back in their homes by mid-afternoon on Sunday. The evacuation was orderly and quick. I can't thank residents enough for their cooperation.

            I want to also acknowledge the support provided to the city by Luzerne County especially Joe Gibbons, County Engineer, and Steve Bekanich, County EMA. I need to thank the Wilkes-Barre Area School District and the American Red Cross for their help in setting-up the emergency shelter. I commend Wilkes-Barre Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments as well as my senior administrative staff for their tremendous hard work during some tense moments early Sunday morning. Most importantly, I want to thank all residents for their cooperation and understanding. Many of who seized the initiative to help clean-up the city in the wake of the storm by sweeping the streets and sidewalks of branches and other debris. I am personally grateful for that.   

Sincerely,

Mayor Thomas M. Leighton


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