UPDATES:
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Traffic: State of CT prohibiting all highway truck traffic. MassDot advises truck drivers to seek refuge at MA secure locations.
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Article: A State by State Look at the East Coast Superstorm
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All service will be suspended effective 2pm today. Customers are encouraged to make final trips as early as possible.
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According to MassDOT, Traffic: Boston- I-93NB Exit-14, Morrissey Blvd closed, flooding.
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High Wind Warning in MA: Hazard, damaging winds east 35-45mph with gusts up to 75mph (in effect until Tuesday 6pm EST)
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Gov. Patrick has requested that all schools close and private employers stay home on Monday. Additionally the governor says to keep the roads clear for emergency personnel.
Helpful hurricane/tropical storm resources:
Emergency Contact Numbers:
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Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS
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Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
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MA State Police: 508-820-2300
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Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): 508-820-2000
Relief Information:
During A Hurricane
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
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Listen to the radio or TV for information.
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Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
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Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
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Turn off propane tanks
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Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
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Moor your boat if time permits.
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Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
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Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
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If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
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If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
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If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.
Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
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Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
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Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
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Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
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Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
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Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
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Avoid elevators.
What to do AFTER a Hurricane:
The winds and rains of a violent hurricane may have passed, but danger still exists. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following safety advice for homeowners returning to their property after a major storm.
Returning Home
Be informed.
Find out if local authorities have declared your neighborhood safe. Officials may close certain roads due to flooding or suspected road damage. Be aware if there are specific routes you need to take and if authorities have established assembly points for residents in your area.
Plan accordingly. Try to return to your home during daylight hours so you won't need to use lights. Make sure all family members are accounted for. Alert others of your status and plans to return home.
Drive carefully. Watch out for road hazards like debris and sinkholes.
Do NOT drive through any water. Standing water may be hiding large sinkholes or may be deeper than it appears. Attempting to drive through — even in a sport utility truck — may stall your vehicle and put you in a more dangerous situation.
Be aware of fallen electrical power lines. Do not drive over them or through any water that may contain downed lines.
If power lines fall on your vehicle while driving, continue to drive away from the danger. If your vehicle stalls, do not turn off the ignition and DO NOT get out. Wait for emergency rescue personnel and warn other bystanders away from your vehicle and potential danger.
Remain aware. Keep your radio tuned to local news and emergency broadcasts for updated information. If possible, keep a vehicle window slightly open so you can hear emergency sirens and other signals.
Once at Your Home and Property
Use extreme caution. Approach your home with a critical eye.
Be wary of fallen power lines on or near your property. Alert the power company and local authorities of the electrical hazard.
Buildings and homes that look undamaged may suffer from hidden dangers of flood damage. Do NOT work in or around any building until it has been examined and certified safe by professional engineers or architects. Leave the area immediately if you sense the building shifting or hear unusual noises that may signal a possible collapse.
Do you smell gas? Floodwaters may have shifted supply lines or broken seals. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main valve if possible, open the windows and leave the building immediately. Alert the gas company, as well as local police and fire departments.
Do NOT turn on any lights, smoke, light matches or do anything that could cause a spark. Do NOT return to your house until you are told it is safe to do so.
Avoid the shock of your life. If you see inside your home frayed wiring, sparks from wires or smell something burning but see no evidence of fire, you may have electrical damage. If possible, shut off the electric system at your home's main circuit breaker or fuse box.
Use portable, gas-powered electric generators outside on a dry and level surface. Never hook up a generator to your home's wiring. Never use a generator indoors where odorless carbon monoxide can accumulate and kill you.
Electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before use. Have a certified electrician check appliances if you are unsure of their safety condition.
Cleanup Safely
Wear proper protective clothing. Heavy-duty work gloves, hard hats, watertight boots with steel shanks and insoles should be used during cleanup. Earplugs and goggles or face shields should be worn if you are using, or are near, powered equipment such as chain saws, dryers and other dangerous tools.
Be cautious of chemicals. Floodwaters and high winds may have shifted or unearthed chemical containers. Avoid inhaling chemical fumes. Propane gas tanks for barbecue grills blown onto your property could pose a risk of fire and explosion. Notify your local fire department immediately to handle such hazards.
Be alert for animal dangers. Wild or stray domestic pets will be disoriented just like humans after a natural disaster. Do not attempt to corral or make contact with such animals. Call your local animal control office to deal with strays and disoriented pets.
If you are bitten by an animal, seek medical attention immediately.
Watch out for an increased presence of rats and other rodents which may feed off spoiled food or animal carcasses. Contact animal control authorities for information on how to dispose dead animals found on your property.
Don't wade into the water. Standing floodwater on your property may hide a host of dangers including live electrical lines and fecal matter from overflowed sewage lines. Do not let children play in any water or touch objects that may have been exposed to possibly contaminated water.
Other Tips
Be prepared for fire hazards. Always have at least two fire extinguishers at the cleanup site since water supplies may be inoperable and local fire department response may be slow.
Beware of spoiled food. Check all food for mold and other signs of spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
For more information on food safety concerns following a hurricane, check the Food and Drug Administration's Web site: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsdisas.html.
Is the water safe? Use only bottled water for eating and drinking until local authorities verify that the public tap water system is safe to use again.
You can purify water by boiling it vigorously — it should be bubbling and rolling for at least one minute. If you can't boil water, add six drops of ordinary, unscented household bleach per gallon of contaminated water and stir well. Let the water stand for 30 minutes before use. Bleach alone will not kill parasitic organisms or make the water potable.
Watch your back. Use teams of two or more people to remove debris and heavy objects that weigh more than 50 pounds.
Beware stress and strain. Limit your cleanup to manageable tasks. Avoid over-exertion and take frequent breaks. Also be aware of signs of emotional distress, common after any natural disaster. Seek support from friends, neighbors, religious and professional organizations.
More safety information and tips can be found at the CDC Website.
And STAY TUNED to 97.7/107.3 for updates and alerts!
