For Immediate Release
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bedford Police and Fire Departments Offer Storm Preparedness Tips
BEDFORD — Acting Police Chief Scott Jones and Fire Chief David Grunes 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). Hurricane Florence has made landfall on North Carolina and South Carolina and millions of people have been evacuated along the coast.
“While this hurricane is not currently predicted to come our way, it stands as a stark reminder for our residents to be vigilant about storm preparation and preparedness,” Fire Chief Grunes said.
In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm, Acting Police Chief Jones and Fire Chief Grunes 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.
“We wish everyone the best in North Carolina and South Carolina and hope that people stay safe throughout the hurricane,” Acting Police Chief Scott said. “Creating family emergency plans ahead of storms like these is one of the best ways to be ready when they come in our direction.”
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