For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
*Joint Release*
Easton DPW, Fire and Police Departments Prepare Residents Ahead of Winter Storm
EASTON — On the heels of last week’s powerful storm that knocked down trees and caused widespread power outages, Fire Chief Kevin Partridge, Police Chief Gary Sullivan and DPW Director David Field are advising Easton residents to prepare for a winter storm that is expected to hit the region this week.
Working with state and local leaders the Town of Easton had about 40 department of public works crews, from Easton and nine surrounding communities, in town making preparations ahead of Wednesday’s storm.
Town Administrator Connor Read and DPW Director David Field wish to thank the surrounding communities who assisted Easton during last week’s challenging storm and subsequent cleanup effort.
The crews worked throughout the day Tuesday to clear debris from roads and storm drains leftover from Friday’s Winter Storm Riley.
As of Tuesday night, about 60 customers in town were still without power. On Monday evening there were about 2,000 customers that did not have electricity. National Grid had over 60 work crews in town throughout the day with the goal of restoring power to all customers by midnight tonight. They will also plan on having contractors remain in the area in the event that the storm causes additional outages.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for northern Bristol county, noting the potential for heavy snowfall with accumulations of two to four inches Wednesday morning into early Thursday. The storm watch reports that travel could be very difficult in areas with high precipitation rates and drivers should expect significant reductions in visibility.
“As the forecast stands, residents should prepare for a mixture of rain and snow,” Chief Sullivan said. “If possible, people should stay off the roads, however for those who do have to drive, please use extreme caution and go slow.”
Easton is likely to see a mixture of snow and rain throughout the day on Wednesday and into Thursday. The temperature is expected to be between 38 and 28 degrees on those days. Wind speeds could reach as high as 17 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.
“The Easton Police, Fire and DPW did an outstanding job in handling the storm with over 200 responses to emergency calls between Friday and Saturday,” Chief Partridge said. “I would also like to thank the CERT team and school employees for staffing and managing the warming shelter and assisting those in need. We will all continue to work just as diligently with the new storm ahead.”
Residents who remain without power should note that the town has a warming center in operation at the Council on Aging, 15 Barrows St.
BEFORE THE STORM
- Check the surrounding areas outside of your home and examine trees that have been weakened or uprooted from last weekend’s storm. If there is a tree that you believe is unstable and may fall, please contact a local tree trimming service company.
- Residents should be prepared for more power outages and stock up on batteries for flashlights or battery powered lanterns. If using candles, keep them away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.
- Keep cell phones charged as much as possible.
- Clear any storm drains of debris from the last storm to avoid flooding.
DURING THE STORM
- Stay off the roads and stay indoors, if possible. Give plow and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.
- If power goes out during the storm, contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.
- To report a gas leak, contact Columbia Gas at 1-800-525-8222.
- If you have an emergency, call 911. If you experience flooding in your home contact the Easton Fire Department at 508-230-0750.
AFTER THE STORM
- Do not go near or drive over any downed power lines.
- Check your property for any trees that could be in danger of falling near your home or vehicles.
- Clear any debris from storm drains near your home to allow water to drain.
- Do not pump water from sump pumps into the road. The water can freeze and cause hazardous conditions if the temperature dips.
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