storm

Stoneham Fire Chief Alerts Residents to Potential Flooding as Storm Nears

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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.

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North Haven Fire Department Provides Updates on Storm Damage

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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.”

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Loans Available to Help Those in Winthrop Recover from March Nor’easter

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Town of Winthrop
Terence Delehanty, Town Manager
Winthrop Town Hall
1 Metcalf Square
Winthrop, MA 02152

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

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

Loans Available to Help Those in Winthrop Recover from March Nor’easter

WINTHROP — Chief Terence M. Delehanty announces that loans are available to Winthrop citizens affected by a March nor’easter this past winter.

Gov. Charlie Baker requested and secured a disaster declaration for six counties from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including Suffolk County. Businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals are now able to take out low-interest disaster relief loans provided by the federal government in order to repair damages done by the nor’easter on March 2-3, which caused more than $20 million worth of damage in Massachusetts.

Businesses and nonprofits are able to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace real estate, equipment, inventory, and other assets. Interest rates as low as 3.58 percent are available for businesses and 2.5 percent for nonprofits.

Homeowners and renters can seek loans of up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed residences. Interest rates can be as low as 1.813 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.

For more information or to apply for relief, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration online, call SBA’s customer service center at 800-659-2955 or send the organization an email.

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Canton Fire Department Advises Residents Ahead of Fourth Nor’easter This Month

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Canton Fire Department
Chief Charles E. Doody
99 Revere St.
Canton, MA 02021

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

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

Canton Fire Department Advises Residents Ahead of Fourth Nor’easter This Month

CANTON — Chief Charles E. Doody would like to advise Canton residents about another nor’easter coming to the region on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol counties, which will be in effect from  8 a.m. Wednesday until 8 a.m. Thursday. Snowfall is expected to begin after 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Canton could see between 9 to 15 inches of accumulation, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures during the storm are expected to be between 39 and 31 degrees. Wind gusts could reach speeds of up to 38 mph.

Travel is expected to be very difficult at times with significant reductions in visibility. As with the other recent storms, town officials are asking residents to stay off the roads during the storm.

BEFORE THE STORM

  • Residents should be prepared for power outages and stock up on batteries for flashlights or battery powered lanterns. If using candles, there should be a 3 foot ring of safety and be sure to keep them away from anything flammable or combustible.
  • Keep cell phones, laptops and tablets charged as much as possible. Consider a external battery for your devices.
  • Neighbors should talk with one another and set up plans to assist those who may be at risk and/or in need of help.

DURING THE STORM

  • Stay off the roads and stay indoors, if possible. Give plow and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.
  • If power goes out during the storm, contact Eversource at 800-592-2000 to report an outage. Residents can also call 211 or go online to mass211.org for more information on available shelters and warming centers in the event of an outage.
  • To report a gas leak, call 911. Residents can also contact Columbia Gas at 800-525-8222 for gas-related issues.
  • If you have an emergency, call 911. If you experience flooding in your home contact the Canton Fire Department at 781-828-1313.

AFTER THE STORM

  • Do not go near or drive over any downed power lines.
  • Clear snow from any gas vents attached to your home.
  • Assist the fire department by shoveling out any hydrants near your home.
  • Check your property for any trees that could be in danger of falling near your home or vehicles.
  • As the snow begins to melt, clear any debris from storm drains near your home to allow water to drain.
  • Do not pump water from sump pumps into the road. The water can freeze and cause hazardous conditions if the temperature dips.

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