City Issues Hurricane Irene Safety Advisory, Tips

Local emergency response officials are urging residents to be prepared for Hurricane Irene to roll in this weekend.

Though evacuation is not likely going to be necessary, officals recommend residents prepare to be without power for 3 to 5 days, and have a "Family Emergency Communication Plan," according to a press release issued by the Medford Police Department Friday.

Meteorologist: Don't Take Irene Lightly

New England hasn't had a hurricane landfall in 20 years and meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) are telling people to take Hurricane Irene seriously. 

"It's not something to be ignored," meteorologist Benjamin Sipprell said Friday morning, urging residents to be prepared for whatever the storm brings. The service has issued a Hurricane Watch for the Boston metro area. 

New Englanders would be wise to stock up on water, battery-operated radios, lanterns and food, he said. Be prepared for sustained and widespread power outages as trees that have not faced this kind of weather in decades might buckle to the winds, knocking out power lines. 

"The area is not really heavily affected by hurricanes on a regular basis. The overwhelming fear is that a lot of the dense trees we have around New England are not really going to be accustomed to such an infrequent event," Sipprell said. 

Bostonians might even consider filling their bathtubs with water in order to be able to flush the toilet. The storm could alter the city water system's pressure, cutting off water for residents. 

The following information was provided by Medford Police Lt. Mark Rudolph in a press release Friday morning:

With the potential for Hurricane Irene to make landfall in Massachusetts sometime Saturday evening and impact the area through Sunday night, it is important for residents and business owners who reside or work in the City of Medford to plan now to ensure they are properly prepared to protect their families and property from the impact of the storm.

More than likely the hurricane will bring heavy rainfall and high winds to the area, with the potential for local flooding in low lying areas of the city.

Your public safety and emergency management agencies are planning now with city government officials to ensure that they are prepared for the storm’s arrival. They urge you to prepare now as well.

The following tips and information will help you develop a personal preparedness plan for your family, your property and your business, should Hurricane Irene impact the city.

All of the information below is available in greater detail on the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency website at: http://www.mass.gov/mema. Additional information has been posted and will be updated on the city’s website at: http://www.medford.org.

• Should you find yourself experiencing a true emergency during the storm, remember to dial 9-1-1 from your landline telephone to be connected directly to the 9-1-1 communications center. Keep in mind that if you dial 9-1-1 from your cellular telephone, your call will be routed directly to the Massachusetts State Police in Framingham, who will in turn reroute the call back to Medford, increasing the potential response time to your emergency.

• Medford Public Safety Agency personnel will be on duty and available throughout the storm to respond to emergency calls on a need-based priority system, with the most serious calls receiving immediate assistance first. Please keep this in mind if you dial 9-1-1 for immediate Police, Fire, and EMS response during the storm. All other non-emergency calls should be directed to the police department at 781-391-6404, or fire department at 781-396-9400.

• Medford Public Safety and government officials are recommending that you prepare to take shelter at your residence. Based on current storm track and intensity information from MEMA, an evacuation is not necessary.

• Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Government Officials urge you to closely monitor your local news, weather service and emergency-broadcasting networks for updates on the storm’s track and intensity. Please follow the recommendations and directions of your local public safety and emergency management officials.

• Please develop a plan now to “Be Ready” to manage the effects of the storm on your family, property and business.

Residents Hurricane Preparedness Tips:

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency recommends every home and business have a stocked basic emergency supply kit that could be used for any emergency, regardless of the time of year.

Everyone should keep certain items around the house and workplace in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power.

Each kit will be unique to each family, but should include the essentials:

• a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods, along with bottled water, a first aid kit, and extra prescription medication.
• All families should develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ to help ensure everyone is safe. You should contact your local authorities to learn about your community’s potential evacuation routes and the location of emergency shelters. It is important to familiarize yourself with your Community’s Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs. Develop a Disaster Supply Kit ‘Go Bag’, with essentials in case you must evacuate quickly.

Pets:

Taking your pets along is the most important thing individuals or families can do for their animals during a hurricane should an evacuation become necessary. Pets left behind can be injured, lost or killed during a storm, or in its aftermath. Pet owners should include their animals in their Family Hurricane Planning, before a storm threatens.

Tips to protect your home:

During this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season (June 1st - November 30th), the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges homeowners to protect their property from strong winds, damaging rains, and flooding that hurricanes or tropical storms can bring to New England.

Business Owners:

Our business community should be aware of the potential of hurricane damage here in the Commonwealth," said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. "Every business owner should prepare or review their own Preparedness and Recovery Plan. 'Business as usual' will not happen without good planning."

Power Outage Safety Tips:

"The severe winds experienced during hurricanes and tropical storms have the potential to cause power outages throughout the Commonwealth during this Hurricane Season," warns Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. "As we have experienced in recent years with many other types of storms, strong winds have the capability to topple utility poles and trees, as well as snap tree limbs causing them to fall on power lines and disrupt electrical service."

Shelter-in-Place for a Hurricane:

Shelter-in-Place is a standard protective action utilized in Emergency Management," states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. "It is most often used during an event in which hazardous materials have been accidentally released into the atmosphere, but also during other dangerous conditions, such as a severe storm, like a hurricane, when it is preferable to be indoors, not outside or on the road."

Evacuation Procedures:

If evacuation is necessary for an approaching hurricane, or any type of natural or man-made emergency, the key is that you and your family respond quickly and responsibly," states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Kurt Schwartz. "Unlike many types of storms, hurricanes are closely tracked and can be followed by the Media, for as long as a week before reaching New England. Therefore, everyone is usually afforded enough warning and should not be taken off guard if directed to take precautionary steps, including an evacuation."