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East Bridgewater Police, Fire and DPW Provide Update on Today’s Blizzard

For Immediate Release
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-791-7627
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Release*

East Bridgewater Police, Fire and DPW Provide Update on Today’s Blizzard

East Bridgewater Public Schools Closed Friday

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Police Chief Scott Allen, Fire Chief Timothy Harhen and Director of Public Works John Haines would like to provide an update to East Bridgewater residents about today’s blizzard.

About a foot of snow has fallen in East Bridgewater as of 8 p.m. Thursday. Temperatures are expected to dip this evening and should continue to get lower this weekend.

East Bridgewater Public Schools will be closed Friday.

High wind gusts are likely to continue throughout the night, according to the National Weather Service. Although East Bridgewater has not had many power outages today, widespread or prolonged loss of electricity is possible overnight. The town will take appropriate measures if that happens.

The DPW has had 50 plows, sand/salt trucks, backhoes and loaders in use throughout the course of the day.

Crews began pre-treating roads around 2 a.m. Thursday. Plow drivers have been working to widen and clear roads during the storm and will continue that work overnight.

The police and fire departments responded to three crashes Thursday as of 8 p.m. Two people were take to local hospitals with minor injuries. Residents are still urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Multiple vehicles were found abandoned in the road after getting stuck in the snow, making things potentially more difficult for plow drivers and emergency vehicles.

There were also seven medical emergencies where six people were taken by ambulance to Brockton Hospital.

The police and fire stations will remain open. If you have an emergency, call 911. You can also reach the East Bridgewater Police at 508-378-7223 and East Bridgewater Fire Department at 508-378-2271.

Fire Chief Harhen, as the town’s Emergency Management Director, will activate town’s warming center at Town Hall, if necessary. If you are in need of shelter, call the Fire Department business line for assistance. If there are prolonged power outages or if conditions warrant it, additional regional shelters for our community are located in Bridgewater and Whitman.

IT WILL GET COLDER

With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. To stay safe, the East Bridgewater Police and Fire departments ask that residents follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.

If outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety

  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, coal stove or space heater, make sure they are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.
  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

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