With two powerful winter storms expected to provide
blizzard-like conditions to Massachusetts and Southern New England tomorrow
morning and into Saturday, my office has gathered several documents and
emergency contact numbers that may be of assistance. During a storm with the potential of this
magnitude, people may become stranded in their vehicles or unable to leave
their homes with the loss of utilities and other services. The best way to protect yourself, loved ones,
and your property is to plan for an emergency before one strikes.
All households should have a contact list of emergency
numbers posted next to a working phone. In case of a power outage, most
cordless phones may be unresponsive so it is advisable to keep a backup phone
with a cord in a close and safe place. While emergency calls should be directed
through 911 it is a good idea to keep other numbers in an accessible location.
Some numbers to be placed on that list include your local non-emergency numbers
for the police and fire departments, nearest hospital, town hall, and your
electricity and gas provider’s area telephone number. National Grid’s emergency
number is 1-800-465-1212. Comcast can be reached at 1-800-266-2278 and
Verizon’s help service line is 1-888-553-1555.
Other important precautions to take before a storm include;
• Stocking your house and/or vehicle with supplies such as
non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid
kit, extra blankets and sleeping bags, a fire extinguisher, and a radio.
• Installing storm windows or cover windows with plastic to
provide additional insulation.
• Letting faucets drip to avoid water pipes from freezing.
• Locking all doors and windows to ensure that they are
closed tight to help protect against strong winds and precipitation.
• Learning where gas pilots and water mains are located and
how to safely shut off all utilities.
• Keeping an amount of money on hand just in case there is a
power outage and ATM’s are unable to operate.
• Knowing your community’s emergency shelter locations if an
evacuation becomes necessary.
• Having a plan for all family pets in case an emergency
shelter does not allow their presence.
Below are several documents produced from several state and
federal agencies that might assist you. The documents include a family
communications plan, a disaster preparedness kit checklist, a winter emergency
car kit checklist, the National Weather Radio stations listings in Massachusetts,
and a family pet disaster preparedness plan. If my office can assist you in
anyway, please do not hesitate to call at (617)722-1600.
Family Communications Plan by troy_wall3196
Auto Safety Tips & Winter Emergency Car Kit Checklist.docx by Troy Wall
Tips for During After a Winter Storm by Troy Wall
Disaster Preparedness for Pets by troy_wall3196
National Grid Helpful Tips by troy_wall3196
National Weather Radio Station Listings for Massachusetts by troy_wall3196
