Cheltenham Township Emergency Management

09/01/2026

Hello Cheltenham. It has been a hot summer, and September looks like the trend will continue. The next several days will be hot and humid. The conditions may support heavy rain, wind, and lightning. The real feel temperatures will be over 100 degrees. Use caution if you have to be outside for an extended periods of time. Don't leave pets outside. Stay tuned for updated weather information.

08/28/2026

Update 2am:
Old York Rd is now open.

Update 5pm:
Due to the size of the tree, the significant number of utility lines that were entangled in the tree, as well as a utility pole that needs to be replaced, Old York Rd will remain closed throughout the evening and into the overnight hours.

Original post:
Old York Rd (PA Route 611) is currently blocked both northbound and southbound at Ashbourne Rd due to a large tree that fell and brought down power lines blocking the roadway. Please avoid the area. Washington Lane and New Second Street can be used as north/south alternates.

08/26/2026

⚠️ Important Rabies Alert for Cheltenham ⚠️

We received notification today that the coyote recently put down by police in Cheltenham tested positive for rabies.

If you or your pet had recent contact with any coyote, please seek medical or veterinary care promptly. Pets that are not current on their rabies vaccination are at especially high risk.

Rabies can be transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, including through bites or scratches.

If you suspect human exposure, contact your primary care physician immediately or if you want more information contact the PA Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).

We will continue to work closely with the Pennsylvania Game Commission on monitoring the area. Please share this alert with Cheltenham residents and pet owners. If you see any wildlife acting erratically, please contact 911.

08/22/2026

We often warn you about snow, rain or high winds. Here’s a new warning about a Coyote. Be careful, and watch out for the Road Runner too.

07/17/2026

🟣Montgomery County has issued a Code Purple Air Quality Action Day for Friday, July 17. All County parks and trails will be closed to the public.

A Code Purple Air Quality Action Day means air quality is VERY UNHEALTHY for everyone due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke. All persons should limit or avoid outdoor activities. Pets and other animals should be kept indoors to the extent possible.

📣Guidance on Limiting Exposure

📌Everyone: Limit outdoor physical activity and go indoors to cleaner air if experiencing symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.

📌Sensitive Groups: Individuals with chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, pregnant women, and people with limited ability to reduce exposure to outdoor air should avoid all physical activity outdoors

📌Keep indoor air safe by closing windows. If you have air conditioning and your system allows it, consider using the indoor recirculating function and/or installing a high efficiency filter. If you do not have air conditioning, staying inside with windows closed may be dangerous in hot weather. If you are hot, go someplace with air conditioning. Check 211 (https://brnw.ch/21x4c7w) to find a cooling center near you.

📌Be aware that an N95 mask can provide some protection; however, surgical and cloth masks will not provide protection due to the size of the pollution particles.

Check current air quality at https://brnw.ch/21x4c7v or on the AirNow app.

If you experience severe shortness of breath or chest tightness, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.

07/14/2026

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for our area. High temperatures combined with high humidity will push feels-like heat index values over 100°F (potentially reaching 105°F-108°F), bringing a high risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke with prolonged exposure. Be careful as this weather will be with us for several days.

07/03/2026

Please see this important notice regarding the Glenside 4th of July parade.

The Greater Glenside Patriotic Association is in a challenging position.

We love our community and realize we must continue the 123-consecutive-year tradition of celebrating America's Independence with a parade.

However, we also understand we need to consider the weather forcasted, and minimize the risks to our Glenside family.

With a focus on celebrating our amazing tradition, and considering safety while doing so, we have decided to provide an alternate parade celebration.

At 6:00 PM:
Starting at The North Penn VFW on Jenkintown Road, fire departments from Abington and Cheltenham will parade to Abington High School.

The route will head down Jenkintown Road, turning left on Abington Avenue, to Abington High School.

Additionally, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM:
Stationed throughout the Abington Middle and Senior High School campuses, as well as Copper Beech campus, the World Championship International and out-of-state bands who have traveled thousands of miles to celebrate with us by marching in our parade will still be a part of our celebration, performing in several locations throughout the campus.

At 9:00: Fireworks as planned!

Unfortunately, we need to officially cancel the Children's Program at Renninger Park for this year.

We want to thank the Abington and Cheltenham Township's Police and Fire Departments, as well as their Emergency Management Divisions for their incredible help and support during this process! They truly are amazing partners in this celebration!

We look forward to continuing the unforgettable tradition of celebrating the 4th of July with you all in Glenside.

*Edit: Our original post stated that the PA Army National Guard’s 28th ID Band would no longer be performing. We are thrilled to say that they will, in fact, be performing for a very appreciative community. The Band will be performing along with other parade bands from 7-9 PM across the Abington school campus (Copper Beech, Middle School, and Senior High).

07/03/2026

As you celebrate the 4th of July at a picnic, a barbeque, a parade, or watching fireworks, take extra caution with the excessive heat:

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Hydrate! Alcoholic beverages do not help with hydration.
• Find shade whenever possible.
• Know the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion:
- 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is a milder heat illness caused by water and salt loss, characterized by heavy sweating, dizziness, cramping, but with a normal mental state.
- 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 is a life-threatening medical emergency where the body's temperature regulation fails, pushing core temperatures above 104°F and causing confusion, nausea, seizures, or unconsciousness – 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝟗-𝟏-𝟏.

Be safe, Cheltenham. Happy 4th of July!

07/02/2026

07/01/2026

To "hydrate" means to absorb or cause a substance to combine with water. Depending on the context, it refers to drinking enough fluids, applying moisture to the skin, or a chemical compound containing water molecules. Today at noon we begin multiple days under an extreme heat warning.