Puns for
Protection
In April of 2015, Millcreek Township Office of Emergency
Management embarked on a journey into the world of social media.
Prior to this, Emergency Managers had to get messages out in
traditional methods. While this was a well-used standard, it limited
our ability to reach those who were not near a TV or Radio.
The beginning was slow with only 700 likes within that first year
on Facebook. Most of the information being shared was weather
or preparedness information. It was the typical doom and gloom
stuff that you would expect out of a government Facebook Page. In
the fall of 2016, Staff attended a presentation at the Pennsylvania
Emergency Management Conference on the topic of Social
Media. During this class, the Phoenixville, PA Office of Emergency
Management discussed how they began to use humor to drive
visibility and engagement of their social media.
Upon our Emergency Manager’s return to Millcreek, OEM
immediately began to test this tactic with their followers. To say that
the response exceeded the department’s
expectations would be an understatement.
The OEM Facebook Page immediately
doubled in followers and has witnessed a
consistent rise since that time. Many people
told OEM that they liked the refreshing humor
and honesty that was displayed on the page.
This not only helped increase followers but
also increased engagement with residents
and visitors. OEM has found that they are able to get updated, real-
time information out to residents in a fast and efficient manner with
limited manpower. For the major multi-vehicle accident this past
winter on I-90 in West County, they reached over 860,000 people
with a video that they live streamed from the scene providing vital
public safety information.
If you are interested in keeping in touch with your Township,
learning about preparing for emergencies and having a little
fun along the way, check them out! Plus, you will learn all about
their love for French Toast and Funyuns and about their traffic
velociraptor Karin. https://www.facebook.com/MillcreekOEM/ and
@MillcreekEMA on Twitter.
Are You Burning Illegally?
This time of year, many residents of Millcreek are beginning
to clean up their yards, keeping our community beautiful. The
Bureau of Fire Prevention often receives calls inquiring about
the regulations surrounding outside fires in the Township.
Outside Fires MUST meet all of the following provisions:
• May NOT be any larger than 3’L x3’W x3’H and in a contained
pit or a commercially available container
• If in a commercially available container - Must be at least 15’
away from a structure
• If in a constructed pit - Must be at least 25’ away from a
structure
• If Gas or Charcoal Grill - Must be at least 10’ away from the
structure (Not permitted on balconies or decks of multi-family
dwellings without sprinkler systems)
• Must be attended at all times by someone 16 years of age or
older
• Must use dry-seasoned wood
• There are additional regulations for burning on Saturdays.
Contact the Fire Marshal’s office for more info.
**All outdoor and recreational fires must have a water source
ready to extinguish the fire at any time**
**Leaves are never permitted to be burned**
The Township asks that you consider the effects of your activity
on your neighbors as well as the current fire danger conditions. The
Fire Marshal is permitted to order a burn ban if conditions warrant.
The Fire Marshal is also authorized to issue permits for community
bonfire events. For permits or further burning inquiries, please
contact the Millcreek Fire Marshal at 814-833-1111 ext. 353.
Residents who witness an uncontrolled outside fire or witness
illegal burning are encouraged to contact 911 or the Millcreek Police
at 814-833-7777.
www.facebook.com/MillcreekOEM/
20 Millcreek