MEMA'S TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE AFTER THE STORM

MEMA’S TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE AFTER THE STORM

 

FRAMINGHAM, MA – “Once the initial impact of this storm has subsided, there are still many additional challenges to be faced, from snow removal to power restoration,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “If you have taken the proper precautions, remain cautious and careful, you and your family are more likely to experience a successful outcome.”

 

·       Do not become a ‘spectator’. Continue to stay off streets and roads to allow plowing and clean-up operations to proceed smoothly.

·       Be careful when shoveling snow. Over-exertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter.

·       Clear exhaust vents from Direct Vent Gas Furnace Systems to avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. Also, never run an automobile until the exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow.

·       Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated.

·       Help dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.

·       Protect yourself by dressing for the season, wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are better than gloves. Wear a hat, as most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

·       Avoid parking too close to corners, allowing Public Safety vehicles and plows to maneuver safely.

·       Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffic.

·       Safely reduce the amount of snow on roofs. The stress caused by heavy wet snow can challenge the integrity of the structure.

·       In order to protect against possible voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, stereo, VCR, microwave oven, computer, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage door opener. Be sure to leave one light on, so you will know when power is restored.

·       If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.

·       Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or move downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them. 

·       Do not touch anything that power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.

·       Call 2-1-1 for non-emergency storm-related questions.

·       Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or relatives and neighbors who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety.

 

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 aboutMassachusetts Alerts, and for additional information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.