Red Cross to Host Blood Drive at Hancock Fire Co.

The blood drive is scheduled for May 31 from 2 to 7 p.m.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Hancock Fire Co. on Friday, May 31, from 2 to 7 p.m. Though not necessary, appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, contact Charles Scott at 484-679-6441, or sign up online at redcrossblood.org with sponsor code 02212273. The Hancock Fire Co. is located at 820 West Airy St. in Norristown. Subscribe to our free daily newsletter | Follow us on Facebook | Follow us @NorristownPatch

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Firefighters Battle Blaze at Same Address Twice in One Night

A fire on the 900 block of West Main Street that displaced 26 people reignited six hours later.

Firefighters from several area companies responded the 900 block of West Main Street at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, for a report of a three story building with fire and heavy smoke showing from the third floor. According to Norristown Fire Chief Thomas O'Donnell, the fire spread quickly from 918 West Main Street to the adjoining building at 920 West Main, but firefighters where able to bring the blaze under control within 30 minutes. One firetruck was damaged during the blaze when a passenger vehicle attempting to get around the truck at the rear of the scene struck the truck as firefighters were laying hoses. Chief O'Donnell reported that the engine sustained heavy damage and had to be towed from the scene. No one was …

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Where to Go for Help After Hurricane Sandy

Patch is gathering information on places where our neighbors can get a hot shower, a meal or just go hang out someplace that's warm. Can you help us build a list?

UPDATE: Cleaning Up After Sandy; What's on Tap for Wednesday

Norristown and the surrounding areas did better than most who were hit by Hurricane Sandy, but municipalities are now working hard to clean up the mess.

UPDATE: [10 p.m.] At Montgomery County Community College, all classes scheduled to begin before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday are cancelled. The school promised a decision by noon Wednesday on whether evening classes would be held. Power is still out at the college's central campus in Blue Bell Tuesday evening, which is requiring the school to use gas-powered generators to power its information systems, including its website and email facilities. Administrators and support staff were asked to report to work at their regularly scheduled times on Wednesday, safety permitting. --- UPDATE: [9:30 p.m.] Norristown Area School District posted the following notice to the high school's Facebook page: "On Wednesday, October 31st, All NASD schools will open at…

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Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Don't wait for thunder to bring in outdoor items

In the wake of the severe thunderstorm watch issued Wednesday by the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania offered some sound advice on its Twitter feed. Some of it you've been hearing since you were in elementary school: for example, if you are stuck outside, avoid high ground, water, tall trees, and metal objects. Other tips, however, might not occur to everyone. "Bring items in from outside NOW that could blow away during a storm," the agency said. Waiting until you see the sky darken and hear thunder rumbling can place you at risk for being struck by lightning. The agency also asked people to evacuate mobile homes that can blow over in high winds and to stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after …

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Red Cross Wants Residents to Resolve to Be Ready This Year

Make being "Red Cross Ready" one of your New Year's resolutions this year.

This hurricane season (Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, anyone?) reminded us that disaster can strike anyone at any time. The Philadelphia area had more than its fair share of disasters. According to the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, a big reason why those disasters were not as bad as they could have been is because our region was prepared. So while you’re making New Year’s resolutions, resolve to be "Red Cross Ready" in 2012. Doing so could save your life, your family and your home.  “Nothing will serve you better in the New Year than being prepared,” said American Red Cross Chief Executive Officer Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes. “Hopefully, you’ll never have a disaster, but if you do, being prepared for it will …

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Five Things for Tuesday, Sept. 6

Here are five things to know about Norristown and life today.

1. It's the first day of school for Norristown area school children! Keep an eye out during your commute for school buses making sudden stops. 2. Norristown Municipal Council meets again tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Norristown Municipal Hall. Among the many items on tonight's agenda: the newly reformed Blighted Property Review Committee, an easement for Saw Mill Run, increasing parking meter fees, and the municiality's declaration of disaster in response to damage from Hurricane Irene. Download the full agenda in our PDF section at right. 3.  The Audubon Women’s Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Ashcroft Building at Shannondell on Shannondell Drive off of Egypt Road. The ladies are looking for new members and inviting anyone interested in …

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Area Preparing for Hurricane Irene

Several agencies and officials are issuing warnings and preparedness tips for our area.

Hurricane Irene is moving over the Bahamas and hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for part of the East Coast. Our area is expected to see heavy rain and gusty winds this weekend. The latest forecast track from the National Hurricane Center projects Irene will pass well offshore of the east coast of central and north Florida tonight and early Friday. Irene, which is still a Category 3 hurricane, is expected to make landfall in coastal North Carolina on Saturday afternoon. Coastal North Carolina is now under a hurricane watch, which means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. That hurricane watch extends from Surf City north to the Virginia border. Coastal South Carolina and part of coastal North Carolina are …

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Five Things for Friday, July 22

Here are five things to know about Norristown and life today.

1. Tonight at 6:15 p.m., the Elmwood Park Zoo will host a Theatre Horizon production of As You Like It. Get your Shakespeare on! 2. If you can’t make it over tonight, make plans for tomorrow night for Folk Music at the zoo! It starts at 7:30 p.m., and admission is $15 per person. It promises to be one great Saturday night. 3. It’s Lego time at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library today from 2 to 3 p.m. Children ages 5 to 12 can check out the latest from the company and live their dreams of being a Lego engineer. 4. Not young enough for the LEGO build? How about some salsa? Teens 12 to 18 are welcome in the library at 1 p.m. to learn how to dance to the beat and partake in some delicious chips and salsa! 5. Do you have it in your…

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Excessive Heat Warning in Effect Through Friday

The Red Cross has issued tips and suggestions for dealing with the heat.

According to Accuweather.com, the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for our area in effect until Friday. Heat index values are expected to reach 100 degrees by this afternoon and grow steadily through the week to as high as 110 degrees Friday afternoon. The excessive heat and humidity may extend into Saturday. In related news, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is issuing a Code Orange air quality alert for today for the area. Air pollution concentrations in the region may be unhealthy for some sensitive groups, including children, asthma sufferers, those with heart or lung disease, and the elderly. If you are in a high risk group, the DVRPC recommends avoiding strenuous activity or …

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