For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Fire Department Offers Safety Protocols for “Hurricane Preparedness Week”

NEWBURYPORT — In preparation for hurricane season, Chief Christopher LeClaire and the Newburyport Fire Department are encouraging residents to take precaution in the event of a serious storm.

Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed that July 16-22, 2017 will be Hurricane Preparedness Week and is emphasizing the importance of staying safe during storms. Even if severe weather doesn’t strike Massachusetts directly, the state is still at risk of feeling a storm’s impact, which can include heavy flooding and destructive winds.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted an above-normal number of Atlantic Ocean hurricanes this year.

“The impacts of a hurricane or a tropical storm can be severe and can come at a moment’s notice,” Chief LeClaire said. “It is important for residents to be properly prepared and we strongly encourage everyone to follow safety and preparedness protocols.”

Residents should know their evacuation zone, establish an emergency plan and follow tips outlined by Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) — a state agency tasked with preparing response and recovery from emergencies and disasters.

• Stay informed through the Massachusetts Alerts App, which provides warnings and public safety alerts from MEMA.
• Have an emergency kit ready that is sustainable for 72 hours. It should include bottled water, food, a flashlight, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, sanitation items, cash and a charged cell-phone. Be sure to customize your kit to your family requirements as needed.
• Create a family communications plan to stay in touch and find each other in an emergency.
• Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
• Ensure your family has a plan to shelter-in-place for at least 72 hours.
• Create a family evacuation plan stating where you will go, how you will get there and what you will bring.

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