For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Whitman Fire Chief Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips

WHITMAN — Chief Timothy J. Grenno and the Whitman Fire Department are recommending a series of precautions to residents in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm in the coming weeks and months.

Although the Atlantic hurricane season is officially June 1 through November 30, the most active time for these storms in Massachusetts is late August through September, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

“As of today, Hurricane Florence is near the Caribbean islands and has been designated as a Category 4 storm,” said Chief Grenno, who serves as the director of Whitman’s emergency management agency. “It is unclear where the hurricane’s path will take it as of Thursday morning, but regardless residents should still formulate a plan for all major storms ahead of time.”

The Whitman Fire Department Facebook page, Whitman Police Department Facebook page and the Town of Whitman website will be updated regularly during the event of a hurricane or significant storm. Residents can also sign up to receive emergency notifications here.

In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, Chief Grenno and the Whitman Fire Department urge residents to establish and practice a family emergency plan, build an emergency kit and follow tips outlined by the MEMA:

• 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.

###