hurricane preparedness

Berkley Fire Department Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips During Emergency Preparedness Month

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Berkley Fire & Rescue
Scott Fournier, Chief
5 N Main St.
Berkley, MA 02779

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: [email protected]

Berkley Fire Department Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips During Emergency Preparedness Month

BERKLEY — Chief Scott Fournier and the Berkley Fire Department are recommending a series of precautions in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane during Emergency Preparedness Month.

September has been declared by Governor Charlie Baker to be Emergency Preparedness Month. Residents are encouraged to use resources provided by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to prepare themselves, their family, their property and their community for the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season began on June 1 and will end on November 30. Historically, hurricanes and tropical storms in August and September have had the greatest impact on New England communities, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near normal hurricane season this year, which could produce between nine and 15 storms. Between two and four of those storms are predicted to be major hurricanes.

“Hurricane Dorian is a reminder of the damaging effects of a hurricane,” Chief Fournier said. “Preparing ahead of time can often help to minimize the risks and damages to your family and property.”

MEMA has several safety tips for residents in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm in our area:

Before a Hurricane:

  • Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts.
  • Know if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone. Hurricane evacuation zones are areas where evacuation may be necessary due to dangerous storm surges.
  • Develop a family emergency plan by establishing meeting locations, creating an emergency contact plan, planning how to evacuate and learning how to shelter in place. Practice your plan with your entire family, and make sure the plan accounts for individuals who have access needs, seniors, children and pets.
  • Acquaint yourself with the emergency plans at places where your family spends considerable time, such as your workplace or your children’s school.
  • Those receiving medical treatment or home health services can work with a medical provider to learn how to maintain care in the event of a hurricane that requires evacuation.
  • Create an emergency kit. Make sure your emergency kit is specific to your family’s needs.
  • Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Prepare for power outages. Consider purchasing a generator. If you do, be sure to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions to use it safely. NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage or with the exhaust facing the home or home air intakes.
  • Take photos or videos of your possessions to create a record for insurance purposes.
  • Prepare your home if a storm is coming by securing outdoor objects, clearing rain gutters, covering windows with shutters or plywood (do not use tape), turn off propane tanks that aren’t being used, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, clear nearby catch basins, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood and remove boats from the water.

During a Hurricane:

  • Do not go out during a hurricane or tropical storm, if possible. Do not walk through flowing water. Never drive through flooded roads.
  • Monitor local media for updated weather information.
  • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take only essential items, and bring pets if possible.
  • If told to shelter in place, stay indoors and away from windows and listen to local television or radio for updates. Conditions may change quickly, so be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

After a Hurricane:

  • Follow instructions from public safety officials. If you have evacuated, return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
  • If your power is out, follow power outage safety tips. Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
  • Stay out of damaged buildings and away from affected areas and roads until authorities deem them safe.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who may need additional assistance.

 

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Bedford Police and Fire Departments Offer Storm Preparedness Tips

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For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 14, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

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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Whitman Fire Chief Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips

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Whitman Fire Department
Timothy J. Grenno, Fire Chief
56 Temple St.
Whitman, MA 02382

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

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.

 

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North Haven Fire Chief Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips

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North Haven Fire Department
Paul Januszewski, Fire Chief
11 Broadway
North Haven, CT 06473

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

North Haven Fire Chief Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips

NORTH HAVEN — Chief Paul Januszewski and the North Haven 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.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the largest threat period for Connecticut occurring from mid-August to mid-October, according to Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s office.

“While there aren’t currently any hurricanes headed our way, it is always better to have a plan and be prepared for the event of a powerful storm, especially this time of year,” Chief Januszewski said. “Please go over safety plans with your loved ones so that in the event of a storm, everyone is as prepared as they can be.”

The North Haven Fire Department Facebook page, North Haven Police Department Facebook page and the Town of North Haven website will be updated regularly during the event of a hurricane or significant storm. Residents can also call 211 to obtain statewide information.

Chief Januszewski recommends the following tips from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) and Department of Public Health:

Educate yourself and your family

Find out if there are any places near your home that could be dangerous or cause an emergency like:

  • An area that can flood, like land near a river or lake
  • Buildings where chemicals are made or stored

Have a safe place to go. If you are asked to evacuate (leave your home), you can go to:

  • The home of a family member
  • A friend’s home
  • A motel, hotel or shelter

Learn what to do in case of an emergency where you work and at your child’s school or daycare.

Sign up for the Connecticut Emergency Alerting and Notification Systems to get emergency messages emailed to you or sent by text message to your mobile phone. For more information and to register, go to www.ct.gov/ctalert.

Make a plan for yourself and your family

  • Pick safe places in your home where you can go if there is an emergency.
  • Have two different ways to get out of your home in case you have to leave.
  • Pick a place that your family will meet in case you are separated during an emergency.

– Pick one place that’s in your neighborhood.

– Pick one place that’s outside of your neighborhood.

    • Pick your family contacts – two people you and your family members can call in case you are separated during an emergency.

– Pick one person who lives in the same state.

– Pick one person who lives in a different state.

– Write down your contacts’ phone numbers and make sure everyone in your family has a copy of them.

  • Pick a place where you can stay in case you have to evacuate your home for a few days.
  • Make a plan for what you will do to keep your pets safe if there is an emergency.
  • Know how to turn off the electricity, gas and water in your home in case the need arises.
  • Check in on your elderly or disabled family member and neighbors when it is safe to do so. Make sure they are prepared for the event of a hurricane.

In addition, ahead of any storms that could make landfall, bring indoors or otherwise secure any lawn furniture or outdoor items that could be blown around in heavy winds.

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