Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency

05/12/2026

Several photos taken of the control burn at the Dick and Nancy Eales Nature Preserve today on Jessup Mountain. Control burns like this help in mitigating larger and more dangerous fires in the future.

05/12/2026

👨🏻‍🚒 Last night, representatives from Mid Valley Mutual Aid visited Lackawanna County EMA, where they received an informal briefing on county HazMat policies and procedures. A productive discussion ensued, followed by a tour of our supplies and equipment. We appreciate the efforts of all parties involved in making this visit possible, as it serves to strengthen partnerships with our local Emergency Services. 🚨

05/10/2026

05/09/2026

🌧️Rainy Weather Safety Reminder 🌧️

Periods of rain can quickly create hazardous conditions on our roads and in low-lying areas. Please take a few simple precautions to stay safe:

🚗 Slow down and allow extra travel time
💡 Turn on your headlights
📱 Avoid distractions while driving
🌊 Never drive through flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don’t Drown
🧹 Clear storm drains near your home if it is safe to do so
🔋 Keep your phone charged in case of emergencies

Even a small amount of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road. Stay alert, monitor local weather updates, and use caution throughout the day.

If you encounter flooding, downed trees, or hazardous conditions, report them to your local authorities.

Stay safe and stay informed.

05/07/2026

Lackawanna County EMA and 911 will have the awesome opportunity to talk to the 2nd-grade students of the Valley View School District about the importance of 911 and planning for emergencies over the next two days. The students will also be given a tour of the 911 facility and some of the equipment that EMA uses to protect citizens during emergencies. Thank you, Valley View, for giving us this opportunity to teach the kids this important information.

05/05/2026

A cold front will push into the region from the northwest this afternoon and early evening.
Timing: Mainly 3-9 PM
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop across the lake plain and push into the Finger Lakes later this afternoon and this evening. Damaging winds will be the main threat from these storms, but can’t rule out the possibility for hail and an isolated weak tornado.

05/02/2026

We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Northeast Valley Mechanical LLC for generously donating 10 chicken BBQ dinners from the Olyphant Fire Department Ladder 26 Chicken BBQ today to the Lackawanna County 911 dispatchers.

Your support means a great deal, and we truly appreciate your continued commitment to those who serve our community behind the scenes. It’s gestures like this that remind us how fortunate we are to have such strong local partnerships.

Thank you again for your generosity! 🚒🍗

05/01/2026

🔋 Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Reminder 🔥

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day—phones, laptops, e-bikes, power tools, and more. While generally safe, they can pose a serious fire risk if damaged, misused, or improperly charged.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

✅ Use the correct charger – Always use manufacturer-approved chargers and avoid cheap or incompatible replacements.
✅ Don’t overcharge – Unplug devices once they’re fully charged, especially overnight.
✅ Watch for warning signs – If a battery is swelling, overheating, leaking, or smells unusual, stop using it immediately.
✅ Avoid extreme temperatures – Keep batteries away from heat sources and don’t charge them in very hot or cold environments.
✅ Store properly – Keep batteries in a cool, dry place and never store them near flammable materials.
✅ Dispose safely – Never throw batteries in the trash. Take them to a proper recycling or hazardous waste facility.

🚒 If a battery fire occurs:
- Move away and call 911 immediately
- Do not attempt to handle large or spreading fires
- Use a fire extinguisher only if it’s safe to do so

Stay informed. Stay prepared. A few precautions can prevent a dangerous situation.

“Picture curtesy of FDNY”

05/01/2026

🚧 Traffic Alert – Interstate 81 (Lackawanna County) 🚧

PennDOT District 4 advises motorists of upcoming lane restrictions and slow-moving traffic on I-81:

🛣️ Northbound (Scranton → Dunmore)
📅 Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8
⏰ Morning through night

* Expect slow-moving trucks in the left lane from the Biden Expressway (Exit 185) to Drinker Street (Exit 186).

🛣️ Southbound (near I-84 to Exit 185)
📅 Wednesday, May 6 & Thursday, May 7
⏰ 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM

* Lane restrictions for milling and paving rumble strips

⚠️ Please use caution, expect delays, and consider alternate routes if possible.

📲 Check real-time traffic conditions anytime at 511PA.com or via the 511PA app.

Stay safe and drive alert!

Provides up to the minute traffic and transit information for Pennsylvania. View the real time traffic map with travel times, traffic accident details, traffic cameras and other road conditions. Plan your trip and get the fastest route taking into account current traffic conditions.

04/28/2026

04/24/2026

🚧 Traffic Advisory – Interstate 81 (Lackawanna & Luzerne Counties) 🚧

Drivers in and around Dunmore should plan ahead and consider alternate routes starting Sunday night, April 26, due to multiple lane restrictions on I-81 northbound and southbound.

🔶 Key Impacts:
- Biden Expressway (Lackawanna County): Reduced to one lane starting Sunday, April 26 at 7:30 PM (long-term project through winter 2026).
- Night Work (April 26–May 1): Lane restrictions on I-81 northbound between the Biden Expressway and I-84 junction (9 PM – 6 AM).
- Daytime Work (April 27–30):
- Southbound restrictions for inlet repairs and signage work (7 AM – 6 PM).
- Northbound pothole patching near Moosic (April 30).
- Luzerne County (April 27–May 1):
- Daytime lane restrictions (9 AM – 3 PM) for utility work, patching, and crack sealing between Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, and Avoca.

⚠️ Expect significant delays, especially during peak travel times.

📲 Stay updated with real-time conditions via 511PA (website, app, or dial 5-1-1).

Please drive safely and allow extra travel time!