By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times

Like many Chester County residents, this robin is likely hoping the next round of nasty weather doesn’t include ice. Photo by Dave Lichter

The $899 price tag was no deterrent for customers determined not to endure another prolonged power outage, no matter what the cost. Forty generators delivered to the Costco store in King of Prussia disappeared quickly on Tuesday, leaving latecomers disappointed.

Throughout the region, similar mentalities prompted a run on batteries, road salt, and food staples as the National Weather Service issued yet another dire winter storm warning – in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, until 1 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14.  Forecasters said the precipitation would begin as snow late tonight, mix with sleet Thursday morning, and possibly change to rain Thursday afternoon before returning to snow Thursday evening.

Accumulations of six to 10 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 30 mph are predicted – putting many residents in fear of downed trees and power lines again. Weather officials and county officials are urging people to avoid travel if possible, especially on Thursday when it is expected to be treacherous. Citizens are being urged to stock a home emergency kit with supplies to help them get through a potential three days without power.

Some area emergency officials said they found strength in numbers. Doug Smith, a West Brandywine supervisor and its emergency management coordinator, said his township formed a partnership with West Caln and Honey Brook to qualify them for assistance from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). Smith said two PEMA officials would work during 12-hour shifts that will begin Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and go until 7 p.m. Friday.

Smith said emergency workers “are wiped out” and they decided to go this route at the suggestion of Robert Kagel from the county’s Department of Emergency Services. “It was good advice,” Smith said.

Kagel said residents should be reminded not to operate generators, charcoal and gas grilles – or any other device that produces exhaust, smoke, or fumes – inside.  “Equipment like that must be operated outside in a well-ventilated area,” he said.

In addition, Kagel urged people to call PECO – not 9-1-1 – at (800) 841-4141 to report power outages.  “Be sure to call them two or three times a day to be sure they know your power is out,” Kagel suggested.

Many area events have already been cancelled for Thursday, and organizers of some scheduled for Friday and Saturday are weighing their options and encouraging people to check on the status by phone or email.

The Chester County Commissioners took a different approach. Instead of postponing their meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 13, at 10 a.m., they moved it up, holding it Tuesday, Feb. 11, at noon.

The Borough of South Coatesville declared a snow emergency effective Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Officials are urging residents to follow snow emergency route rules.

The City of Coatesville’s emergency begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday night and will extend to Friday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m. Parking will be prohibited on the following snow emergency routes: Lincoln Highway, from bridge to bridge (both north and south sides); Strode Avenue; from Lincoln Highway to southern city line (both east and west sides); Pennsylvania Avenue (west side only); Chestnut Street {south side only); Oak Street, from First Avenue to Eighth Avenue (south side only); Charles Street, from Church Street to western city fine (south side only); and Third Avenue, from Oak to Coates Streets.

Parking will be available at the following public lots: Patton Park, 700 E. Lincoln Highway, Second Avenue and Diamond Street, City Hall lots at Third Avenue and Harmony Street, Maple Avenue and Third Avenue, 300 E. Lincoln Highway and Harmony Street, city officials said.

The Borough of Downingtown will be under a snow emergency beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday night. All vehicles on that are parked in snow emergency routes will need to be moved to another street or to a designated parking lot, which can be found on the borough’s web site: http://www.downingtown.org.

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) offers these tips to prevent pipes from freezing. Use foam to insulate pipes exposed to the elements or cold drafts. Place an insulating dome or other coverings on outdoor faucets and spigots to reduce the likelihood of the water freezing, expanding and causing costly leaks. If possible, drip your faucets to reduce the build-up of pressure in the pipes; even if the pipes freeze, you have released the pressure from the water system, reducing the chance of a rupture.

For more information on protecting your home from extreme cold conditions, visit www.protect-your-home.org and www.greatwinterweatherparty.org.