Rick Smith, Chief of Police
1 Union St.
Wakefield, MA 01880
For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Wakefield Police Provide Safety Tips for Hurricane Season
WAKEFIELD — As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, Chief Rick Smith and the Wakefield Police Department are urging residents to the time to prepare themselves in the event of severe weather over the next several months.
July 17-23 has been proclaimed Hurricane Preparedness Week by Governor Charlie Baker. While Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1, historically, most tropical storms that have impacted New England have occurred during August and September.
Hurricanes or tropical storms can cause a multitude of problems like power outages, fallen debris and floods that often block roads and repair vehicles, prolonging damage.
“We want to make sure that our residents are prepared in the event that the weather suddenly changes, which is common in our area this time of year,” Chief Smith said. “Please follow the safety tips provided to keep yourselves safe and watch out for each other.”
In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, Chief Smith and the Wakefield Police Department urge residents establish and practice a family emergency plan, build an emergency kit and follow tips outlined by the Massachusetts Emergency Agency:
- Be informed of hurricane and tropical storm warnings by receiving alerts and public safety information before, during, and after emergencies.
- If you live or work in a flood zone, hurricane evacuation zone, or an area that is prone to flooding, you should be prepared to evacuate.
- Check flashlights and portable radios to confirm they’re working.
- Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
- If you own a car, make sure its gas tank is at least half full in the event you need to travel. Purchase a car phone charger so that you can charge your device if you lose power in your home.
- If you have life-support devices (home dialysis, suction, breathing machines, etc.) that depend on electricity, contact your local electric company about your power needs in advance of an emergency. Some utility companies will put you on a priority re-connection service list.
- Purchase a generator to maintain electricity despite an outage. Generators should always be kept outside, since they admit carbon monoxide fumes that can quickly accumulate indoors.
- Prepare your home. Consider attaching temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors.
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