24/7 Emergency Service
Nor'Easter
1/2/2018 (Permalink)
Boston looks picturesque at this height during this time of the year. However the bitter cold sets in and a Nor'Easter this view changes quickly
Did you know that MA has a website that can provide you with emergency information and assistance on how to find help. I know right who knew?
From here you can get a lot of information fast and accurate. Should you need help during this intense record breaking winter season here in New England.
Record breaking cold rounded out our 2017 year bring it all into the start of 2018. Creating havoc. Our aging water systems pipes cannot handle the frigid temperatures and have had more water main breaks than we care to talk about. There have been gas line fires, house fires started from people trying to keep warm and improperly using space heaters. There have been some unintelligent uses of blow torches, as well as pipes bursting. We know there are a lot of ice dams on peoples roofs we can see them, but no one has called us for damage yet because they are not melting very fast due to the cold but they will.
Being prepared and knowing what the forecasts are saying is your only way to stay ahead of everything this season. There are numerous ways to stay informed and up to date. Below is a link for choosing the right way for you to receive your information. There are even apps that you can download to your phone.
https://www.weather.gov/subscribe
Did you know that preparing for a Nor’Easter is almost the same as preparing for a hurricane. Yes it can be that serious. Having a weather app on your phone to listen for updates is the first step to being in the know. Ensuring your car has plenty of gas so that if you lose heat or power you can at least be warm until you make other arrangements. . Making sure your phone is charged before you lose power is key, and having a car charger will help keep you in the loop while you search out your options.
Know where the warming stations in your town are and being prepared to leave with your family to go to them if necessary. Many town buildings like libraries have opened their doors to those who need it . There are a number of local churches and shelters that have extended capacity to make sure everyone that needs it will have a place to go. So do your research on that now.
Alternative and additional heat sources. Yes we know that it is cold and the house may be drafty so what do you do. Crank up a wood stove or fire place if you have it. Great but please be safe, clean and empty the ashes into fireproof tins and outside on a non flammable surface (NOT YOUR PORCH). So you have a space heater, wonderful, are you following the 3ft rule? Not sure what that is keep everything 3ft away yes everything clothes, furniture, curtains, kids, pets, rugs everything. Oh and for the sake of good sense only directly plug them into wall units.
Food preparedness: With the cold of the winter we have a bit of a reprieve than what we do in the summer. If you are out for more than 4 hours get your refrigerator cleaned out and put it all outside on the porch in containers this will ensure you do not lose any of that food. The freezer would be a good idea to but if you get the power on before the 8 hour mark that stuff should be ok. Also make sure you have some foods that are non-perishable and that you have extra food on hand for your pets. It could be a while until you get to a store. Keep an eye on things but remember animals are looking for food this time of the year so make sure the food is in a container and covered.
So you have food taken care of, you have found places to go if necessary, you are getting ready to leave your home for what could be a few days depending on when you get your heat back on. You need to get your home ready. Turn every faucet in the house on and let it run while you are going to be gone. Open all of your cabinets and doors this will let the air circulate and help to try and keep the pipes from freezing.( Hopefully)
Is your Car prepared? There are a few things you should always keep in your car, Shovel, cat litter or sand, extra chargers, blankets as well. Flashlights, knife, jumper cables road maps (yes the paper ones), an extra set of clothes and some drinking water and food. These are just the basic suggestions depending on how many people, or animals you are going to be with will determine how much you actually need.
Being prepared will help you survive and stay safe during emergency situations. Knowing where to go to get and getting there safely may just save your life. Be in the know and be prepared.