Bring in outdoor furniture, charging batteries, emergency kits, and more.

With the possible threat of Hurricane Matthew following a track that could have a major impact on New England this weekend, the Arlington Fire Department and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) recommends actions that people can take to minimize the potential damage from this storm.

– Prior to a storm, outdoor objects such as trash barrels, lawn furniture, and other items that can be displaced by high winds should be secured or brought inside.
– In highly flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves.
– Make sure phones and other important devices are charged.
– Check in on neighbors who may need assistance.

MEMA recommends every home and business have a stocked basic emergency supply kit that could be used for any emergency. Certain items around the house and workplace should be available in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power. Each kit will be unique to each family or business, but should include a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods, along with bottled water, a first aid kit, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets.

Families should also develop a ‘Family Emergency Communication Plan’ with an ‘outside the area’ contact to help ensure everyone is safe. Also, develop a Disaster Supply Kit ‘Go Bag’, with essentials in case you must evacuate quickly.

During and after hurricanes power outages and fallen wires can be experienced. Stay away from downed wires. Assume all downed wires are “live” and call 911 and contact Eversource at 1-800-592-2000. Power outages should be reported directly to Eversource <%20https://www.eversource.com/content/>.

For additional safety information please visit www.mass.gov/mema <http://www.mass.gov/mema> andwww.Ready.Gov. <https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes>

For more electrical safety tips from Eversource, visit their website at eversource.com <http://www.eversource.com>.

Please follow and like us: