Monday, January 26, 2015
Emergency Preparedness Starts at Home
With a major snowstorm that expects to hit the region tonight through
Wednesday that projects between two to three feet of snow, it is important to
take necessary steps to ensure we are all prepared in an emergency. The best way to protect yourself, loved ones,
and your property is to plan in advance 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 will
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 customer service number is 1-800-322-3223. Additionally, to report a power outage,
please call 1-800-465-1212, and to report a gas leak, please call
1-800-460-1595. Comcast can be reached at 1-800-266-2278 and Verizon’s help
service line is 1-888-553-1555.
Also, today MEMA has distributed the following press release regarding storm preparedness. It provides a helpful list of important precautions that every household should take.
MEMA’S
TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR THE STORM
FRAMINGHAM, MA – “Before the arrival of the storm this evening, it is
important that you take the proper steps to ensure the safety of your family
and home,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt
Schwartz.
• Ensure your Emergency Kit is stocked with supplies to enable you to survive on your own for at least
three to five days. There should be a first-aid kit, essential prescription
medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as
canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a manual can opener, water (one gallon
per person, per day), flashlights and extra batteries along with a portable
radio or NOAA Weather Radio, baby-care or pet supplies items, extra blankets,
sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.
• Ensure that your
Winter Emergency Car Kit is well stocked to keep you and your vehicle safe.
• This storm has the
potential to bring widespread power outages, so take the opportunity to fully
charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in advance of a power
outage.
• Those along the
coast should be aware of potential flooding.
Pay close attention to directives from your local public safety
officials.
• Keep extra batteries
for your phone in a safe place or purchase a solar-powered or hand crank charger.
These chargers are good emergency tools to keep your laptop and other small
electronics working in the event of a power outage. If you own a car, purchase
a car phone charger because you can charge your phone if you lose power at your
home.
• Gas up you
automobiles because many local filling stations may also lose their ability to
pump gas.
• Download the free
Massachusetts Alerts app to your smartphone to receive important weather alerts
and messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
• Trim dead tree
branches and limbs close to your home. Ice, snow and wind can combine to snap
limbs that can take down power lines or damage your home.
• Clean gutters.
Melting snow and ice can build up if gutters are clogged with debris. When
thawing begins, the water can back up under your roof and eaves causing damage
to walls and ceilings.
• Check your
homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage.
• Ensure that your
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh
batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not
obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use
indoors as a heat source or cooking device.
• Have sufficient
heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have the option of emergency
heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace)
so you can safely keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well
ventilated.
• To keep pipes from freezing,
wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with
plastic to keep out moisture. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to safely
shut off gas, electric power and water valves.
• If you use medical
equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your health care
provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage. Ensure
you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices.
• If you have
life-support devices that depend on electricity, contact your local electric
company about your power needs for life-support devices (home dialysis,
suction, breathing machines, etc.) in advance of an emergency. Some utility
companies will put you on a "priority reconnection service" list.
Talk to your equipment suppliers about your power options and also let the fire
department know that you are dependent on life-support devices.
• Find out about
individual assistance that may be available in your community if you need it.
Register in advance with the local emergency management agency, the local fire
department, other government agencies or non-profit groups. Tell them of your
individual needs or those of a family member and find out what assistance, help
or services can be provided.
• If you use in-home
support services, Meals-on-Wheels, Life Alert or other support services, work
with them to personalize emergency preparedness plans to meet your needs so you
can keep in touch with them during and after an emergency. That contact may be
your lifeline to other services in a disaster.
• If you have or may
have transportation needs, work with local transportation providers and/or
disability services (e.g., Paratransit, Independent Living Centers) to plan
ahead for accessible transportation.
• Develop back-up
plans for personal assistance services, hospice or other forms of in-home
assistance.
• Be a good neighbor.
Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible
to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access
and functional needs.
MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to
withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters,
including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and
infrastructure failures. MEMA is committed to an all hazards approach to
emergency management. By building and
sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government
agencies, and with the private sector - - individuals, families, non-profits,
and businesses - - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth’s ability to rapidly recover
from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards,
enhancing preparedness, coordinating response operations, and strengthening our
capacity to rebuild and recover.
###
For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Also,
follow MEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at
www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at
www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA. Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency
information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the
National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the
Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and
for additional information on how to download the free app onto your
smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
