Office of Risk Management and Parish Services

Seasonal Advisory

No. 2010-07

RE:     Hurricane Preparedness – Hurricane Earl               

September 2, 2010

Today the National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning for the coast of Massachusetts from Westport eastward around Cape Cod to Hull, including Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island. While it is unclear to what extent Hurricane Earl, a Category 4 Hurricane, will impact inland areas, officials advise that communities act now to be prepared. A hurricane warning is declared when hurricane conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.

Follow local weather and news reports closely to determine the path of the storm and any advisory or mandatory evacuation orders from public emergency management authorities. Decide when the facility should be closed, keeping in mind the extended time to prepare the facility and evacuate all personnel. Personnel should not be allowed to remain on-site unless they can be protected from intense winds and potential storm surge flooding. 

Before the Storm        

§  Charge all cell phones.

§  Withdraw some cash from the bank. (ATM machines could be closed due to power outages.)

§  Get gasoline for your vehicles.  (Gas stations could be closed due to power outages.)

§  Stock up on bottled water - one gallon per person, per day.

§  Purchase coolers for food storage and ice. 

§  Have flashlights on hand and maintain a supply of batteries.

§  Locate a battery-powered radio.

§  Replenish your first aid supplies.

§  Secure your buildings and home, inside and out, including windows, doors, and patio areas.

§  Check grounds and remove dead limbs, prop weakly rooted trees, clean up loose debris, and move all articles or equipment that can be picked up by high winds inside—if it isn’t bolted down, move it inside.

§  Check roof, floor and yard drains to ensure they are clear and unobstructed.

§  Clean out street catch basins and drains to prevent street flooding.

§  Assemble supplies for the emergency response team including portable lights, lumber and nails, tape for windows, roofing paper, sandbags, tarpaulins, chain saws, rakes, and shovels.

When the Storm Is Imminent

§  Conduct an orderly shutdown of computers, communications, and other systems.

§  Disconnect nonessential equipment to protect from damage caused by power surges immediately prior to or following an outage.

During & After the Storm

During the storm, anyone remaining on the premises should be careful to monitor the progress of the hurricane and not be fooled by the calm conditions of the “eye” of the storm. This temporary calm condition will soon be followed by the full intensity of the hurricane.

§  After the storm, identify immediate hazards such as downed electrical lines, leaking gas or flammable liquids, or other hazardous materials. Extreme caution should be taken in the event that power lines are down. The area should be roped off to prevent unsuspecting people from coming into contact with energized power lines. Notify the local electric utility company and authorities, such as the fire department.

§  Control ignition sources if there is leakage from natural or propane gas or gasoline from storage tanks or vehicles; notify public emergency management officials.

For Parishes:

§  In the event of extensive damage, or if in need of assistance during off hours, telephone 617-254-0100 and the on duty engineer consultant will be notified. 

Assess damage and inform RCAB Risk Management at 617-746-5743 as soon as possible.

Additional Information

Even if the hurricane does not have a direct impact on the coastal areas, it is generating unusually high surf and dangerous undertows. WCVB-TV in Boston reported that twelve people had to be rescued Tuesday from a dangerous undertow and a 67 year-old Belmont man died after being swept off rocks and into the ocean as he was fishing. It is advised that individuals not venture close to the water or cliffs while this warning is in effect.

Emergency Contact Numbers – 24-Hour Response

ServiceMaster Clean by Gillmore Brothers

Tel: 800-783-0552

Restoration Specialists

Tel: 1-800-298-6660

Dan Sault, Water Damage Specialist, Able

Tel: 781-335-0000

Toll: 888-225-3911

Cell: 781-603-9849

Note: Please print this advisory and keep it in a safe place in the event you lose power and cannot access your email or computer files.