storm

Berkley Fire Chief Urges Caution to Drivers After Storm Causes Downed Power Lines, Branches

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , ⋅ 0 Comments

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

For Immediate Release

Friday, Oct. 1, 2019

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

Berkley Fire Chief Urges Caution to Drivers After Storm Causes Downed Power Lines, Branches

BERKLEY — Chief Scott Fournier would like to notify drivers that they should use caution while driving through Berkley today after last night’s rain storm and high wind speeds caused downed tree limbs and power lines.

South Main Street, Anthony Street and Green Street are all currently closed while crews work to clear downed power lines and debris from the roads.

There were several sparking wires on the ground and there was a small brush fire due to the storm overnight.

No injuries were reported.

As of Friday morning, the Berkley Highway Department was working diligently with the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant to clear the roads.

“Residents and commuters should use extra caution when driving through town today,” Chief Fournier said. “Crews are working to clear the roads as quickly as possible. If anyone comes across a downed wire, we urge them not to drive over it and to call the fire department.”

If anyone notices a downed tree, limbs or power line please notify the Berkley Fire Department by calling 508-822-6354.

###

Winthrop Police and Fire Departments Responding to Storm-Related Incidents

⋅ Fire News, Police News ⋅ , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019

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

Winthrop Police and Fire Departments Responding to Storm-Related Incidents

More than 40 Trees have Fallen

One-Fifth of Town is Without Power at this Time

WINTHROP — Police Chief Terence Delehanty and Fire Chief Paul E. Flanagan report that emergency crews in Winthrop are actively engaged in clean-up and restoration efforts, despite the challenges of the ongoing gusty winds and rain from a coastal storm that arrived last evening.

More than 40 trees have fallen in Winthrop and more trees and branches continue to come down throughout the day. Some trees and limbs have come down on power lines. Cleanup efforts are being slowed by the continued high winds in town. Winthrop has seen wind gusts approaching 80 mph.

Currently, 17% of Winthrop residents and businesses are without power. Those without power are National Grid customers. The Town of Winthrop is in constant communication with the utility, but no estimated restoration timetable has been provided.

As of 10 a.m., more than 200,000 Massachusetts residents are without power. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for the entire state until 5 p.m.

From the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

A strong, damaging wind event impacted the Commonwealth overnight, with the greatest impacts in southeastern Massachusetts, and the Cape and Islands. The high winds associated with this event resulted in sporadic road closures and widespread electric customer outages (leaving several hundred thousand residents without power) due to downed tree limbs and wires. The most significant power outages are being experienced by National Grid and Eversource customers. The threat of high sustained winds will continue throughout the day which is expected to result in additional power outages.

Currently, local communities and state agencies are coordinating response efforts to manage the impacts from this event, and any additional impacts that may result from today’s high winds.

Important Safety Information from National Grid:

Always use extreme caution near wires and power lines—for your own safety, assume they are live and deadly.

If you see a downed line, keep everyone away and dial 911. You can also report it to National Grid at 800-465-1212. Repairing downed power lines can be dangerous work, so please drive carefully when you spot our repair crews on the road.

If you see a downed power line:

  • NEVER touch downed power lines or anything coming in contact with fallen lines
  • NEVER walk beneath overhead equipment, lines, or wires near a downed line
  • NEVER touch someone who is being electrically shocked
  • NEVER handle or cut utility poles

###

Stoneham Fire Chief Alerts Residents to Potential Flooding as Storm Nears

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Stoneham Fire Department
Chief Matthew Grafton
25 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044

For Immediate Release

Monday, Sept. 17, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: [email protected]

Stoneham Fire Chief Alerts Residents to Potential Flooding as Storm Nears

STONEHAM — Fire Chief/Acting Emergency Management Director Matthew Grafton seeks to to alert residents about the remnants of Hurricane Florence, expected to strike to the region Tuesday that could cause heavy rainfall and flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a hazardous weather outlook for most of southern New England, including Middlesex County. A flash flood watch will be in effect from 5 a.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday.

The rain is expected to begin early Tuesday and the heaviest rainfall is predicted during the afternoon, with the potential for thunderstorms. The storm should taper off by Wednesday morning, according to the NWS.

“As the remnants of Florence approach our region, we want residents to be aware for the potential for flash flooding and heavy rain Tuesday afternoon,” Chief Grafton said. “If you can, please stay off the roads. But if you must drive, please use caution and avoid driving through areas that are known to flood.”

Chief Grafton would like to offer the following tips to help Stoneham residents prepare for the storm:

  • Clear any storm drains of debris.
  • Ensure downspouts are pitched away from your home.
  • If prone to getting water in your house make sure your sump pump is working properly.
  • Be sure to have working batteries for flashlights and battery-powered lanterns to use in the event of a power outage. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything flammable and do not leave them unattended.
  • Keep cell phones charged.
  • Stay off the roads and stay indoors, if possible.
  • Check in on elderly or disabled neighbors.

For all emergencies such as gas emergencies and downed wires, call 911. For outages and non-emergencies call National Grid for gas service at 1-800-233-5325 and Eversource for electric service at 1-800-592-2000.

###

North Haven Fire Department Provides Updates on Storm Damage

⋅ Client News, Fire News ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

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

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 203-404-7751
Email: [email protected]

North Haven Fire Department Provides Updates on Storm Damage

NORTH HAVEN —  Fire Chief Paul Januszewski reports that the North Haven Fire Department and Police Department have responded to more than 200 calls for service since the outbreak of severe weather earlier this afternoon.

Approximately 20 percent of the town is without power as of 7:30 p.m. Chief Januszewski expects this number to rise as The United Illuminating Company and fire crews work to remove hazards from the roadways. As trees and live wires are removed, electrical service will be cut to additional homes and businesses and work will begin to restore service as soon as possible.

The Town of North Haven has opened North Haven High School (221 Elm St.) as an area of refuge for citizens who need to go to a dry building and/or charge cell phones and electronic devices.

Any resident who requires transportation to the High School should call 203-239-5321, and a staff member will log names and addresses. Connecticut Transit has made a bus available that will pick up residents and bring them to NHHS.

Several dozen trees have fallen in town and there are reports of many trees and power lines that have fallen onto houses or vehicles. The North Haven Fire Department is working with the North Haven Building Office to ensure that all buildings are safe.

United Illuminating has opened its Emergency Operations Center and is working with cities and towns in its service area to prioritize and respond to calls for service and service restoration. The Town of North Haven is in constant communication with UI.

DO NOT APPROACH DOWNED WIRES

Chief Januszewski urgently reminds all residents to assume that all downed wires are electrified. A person can be killed instantly by touching a live electrical wire. Do not approach downed wires.

If you are in a vehicle that has come into contact with downed wires, remain in the vehicle and dial 911.

Residents who lose power are reminded of generator safety guidelines:

  • Never, ever run a generator indoors or in a garage. Run it outside, away from air intakes, and aim the exhaust away from the house.
  • Ensure that homes have a bypass system installed OR turn the main breaker OFF when using a generator, as electricity can travel back into the grid and endanger utility workers.

SEVERAL MAIN ROADS BLOCKED — MULTIPLE CRASHES ON I-91

Clintonville Road, Broadway, and Hartford Turnpike are all affected by downed trees and debris.

Blocked roadways and crashes on I-91 have hampered the ability of the Fire Department to call in off-duty resources, but Chief Januszewski has staffed an additional engine company, and all volunteer firefighters are on standby at this time.

Residents should expect some roads to be closed until mid-day Wednesday.

Chief Januszewski urges patience, as the suddenness and ferocity of this storm has stretched resources statewide.

“Your emergency crews are working diligently to ensure everyone’s safety. Right now, the best thing for everyone to do is stay home, stay indoors, and stay patient as we work to clear dangers and obstacles,” Chief Januszewski said. “We can take some solace in the fact that thus far, residents have listened, and there have been no life-threatening injuries.”

###

1 2 3 4 5 >»