For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
East Bridgewater DPW, Fire and Police Departments Warn Residents Ahead of This Week’s Winter Storm
EAST BRIDGEWATER — On the heels of last week’s powerful March nor’easter that knocked down trees and caused widespread power outages, Police Chief Scott Allen, Fire Chief Timothy Harhen and DPW Director John Haines are advising East Bridgewater residents to prepare for a winter storm that is expected to hit the region this week.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook and a flood watch for Plymouth and Bristol counties, noting the potential for significant rainfall and possibly high winds Wednesday morning into Thursday.
East Bridgewater is likely to see a mixture of rain and snow and wind speeds could reach as high as 18 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
“We want to be sure our residents are fully prepared for another period of severe weather,” Police Chief Allen said. “With back-to-back storms, we’re expecting even more power outages and damage in the region. For everyone’s safety, we encourage residents to stay inside and off the roads during the storm.”
“If you can, please try to clear debris from the last storm away from storm drains near your home,” Director Haines said. “This may help to prevent any flooding we way experience.”
“Never go near or drive over downed wires,” Fire Chief Harhen said. “Please call the fire department if you see any wires on the ground or ones that are hanging too low.”
BEFORE THE STORM
- Check the surrounding areas outside of your home and examine trees that have been weakened or uprooted from last weekend’s storm. If there is a tree that you believe is unstable and may fall, please contact a local tree trimming service company immediately.
- Residents should be prepared for more power outages and stock up on batteries for flashlights or battery powered lanterns. If using candles, keep them away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
- Keep cell phones charged as much as possible. Consider a external battery for your mobile phone.
- Clear any storm drains of debris from the last storm to avoid flooding.
- Neighbors should talk with one another and setup 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 National Grid at 800-465-1212 to report 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 East Bridgewater Fire Department at 508-378-2071.
- Follow the East Bridgewater Police on their Facebook page and Twitter account for updates during and after the storm.
AFTER THE STORM
- Do not go near or drive over any downed power lines.
- Check your property for any trees that could be in danger of falling near your home or vehicles.
- 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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