For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
*Joint Release*
Easton Police and Fire Urge Safety During Coming Snowstorm, Extreme Cold
Public Schools and Town Hall closed Thursday
EASTON — Police Chief Gary Sullivan and Fire Chief Kevin Partridge are urging all Easton residents to take precautions to stay safe during the coming snowstorm and frigid temperatures to follow.
A Winter Storm Warning and hazardous weather outlook is in effect for Easton at this time, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Town Hall, Frothingham Hall and Easton Public Schools will be closed Thursday.
The National Weather Service predicts that the storm is expected to begin around 4 a.m. Thursday morning and end sometime in the evening.
The following is what NWS is anticipating for Easton during and after the snowstorm:
- The region could see as much as 16 inches of snow.
- Wind gusts may reach as high as 43 mph and carry with it a windchill factor of 9 below zero.
- Driving conditions will likely be very poor. Significant reductions in visibility are possible with near white-out conditions for a time Thursday.
- Damage to trees and power lines is possible. Power outages may occur.
- Friday will likely see a high temperature of 13 degrees and a low of 4 below zero. Saturday could be even colder with a high of 7 degrees and low of 9 below zero.
WEATHERING THE STORM
The Emergency Operation Center will be staffed at 8 a.m. The number to call the town EOC is 508-230-0761.
Town officials will make a decision on opening a shelter on Thursday depending on the impact and if there is a prolonged power outage.
Trash pickup has been cancelled. Visit the town’s website for an update on the changes after the storm.
The town’s parking ban is in effect. There is no street parking on any roads.
The Police and Fire stations will be open throughout the storm. If you have an emergency, call 911. You can also reach the Easton Police at 508-230-3322 and Easton Fire Department at 508-230-3311 for non-emergencies.
Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Give plow and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.
Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
If you lose power during the storm, National Grid offers an outage map. To report the loss of electricity, call 800-592-2000 .
If you believe there is a gas leak in your home or nearby, call 911.
Anyone with a disability or medical issue is encouraged to call Easton Police ahead of time to request a well-being check during the storm.
COLD CONTINUES ON
With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. To stay safe, the Easton police and fire departments ask that residents follow these tips from the MEMA:
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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