The Keswick Community Resilience Coalition (KCRC) is a newly formed network focused on preparing residents of Abington, Jenkintown, Cheltenham, and beyond for emergencies such as flooding, power outages, and fires. 

Ian Costello, a Glenside resident and KCRC’s founder, said the coalition’s main idea is to take action against potential hazards in the area, and is in part a response to the aftermath of February’s SPS fire.

“I remember feeling hopeless after the SPS fire. It felt like chance was the only thing keeping us safe for a few days,” Costello said. “Right now, we’re a handful of families who have been getting together to talk about how we deal with this. We’re small right now, and we’re trying to help each other out and work together with all of our institutions.”

Costello, a husband and father of two, said the coalition is also welcoming business owners, places of worship, and nonprofits who work with preparedness and disaster recovery.

“On Friday, we’re meeting with the Pennsylvania VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety,” he said. “We’re going to be meeting with the SPCA next week. We want to bring those people to our neighborhood for support.”

If you are interested in joining the coalition, you can reach out to Costello at keswickcrc@gmail.com.

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