THE
COMMONWEALTH
OF
MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
_____________________________
MEMA OFFERS STEPS FOR AFTER THE
WINTER STORM
FRAMINGHAM
,
MA
– “Once the initial impact of a
winter storm has subsided, there are still many additional challenges to be
faced, from snow removal to power restoration,” states Massachusetts Emergency
Management Agency Director Don Boyce. “If you have taken the proper
precautions, remain cautious and careful, you and your family are more likely to
experience a successful outcome.”
- Protect yourself by dressing for the season, wearing several layers
of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy
clothing. The outer garments
should be tightly woven and water repellent.
- Mittens are better than gloves.
- Wear a hat, as most body heat is lost through the top of the head.
- Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
- Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale
appearance in the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of
the nose. If symptoms are
detected, seek medical help immediately.
- Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory
loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent
exhaustion. If symptoms are
detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove any wet clothing, warm
the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages, if the
victim is conscious. Get medical
help, as soon as possible.Do not become a ‘spectator’. Continue
to stay off streets and roads to allow plowing and clean-up operations to
proceed smoothly.
- Help dig out fire hydrants and storm
drains in your neighborhood.
- Avoid parking too close to corners,
allowing Public Safety vehicles and plows to maneuver safely.
- Be aware of children playing in the
streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large
snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing
operations and traffic.
- Clear exhaust vents from Direct Vent
Gas Furnace Systems to avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
- Never run automobile until exhaust pipe
has been cleared of snow.
- Safely reduce the amount of snow on
roofs. The stress caused by
heavy wet snow can challenge the integrity of the structure.
- Use care around downed power lines.
Assume a down wire is a live wire
- Make sure emergency generators or
secondary heating systems are well ventilated.
- In order to protect against possible
voltage irregularities that can occur when power is restored, you should
unplug all sensitive electronic equipment, including TVs, stereo, VCR,
microwave oven, computer, cordless telephone, answering machine and garage
door opener. Be sure to leave one light on, so you will know when power is
restored.
- If your area has very wet snow or
freezing rain, be aware that the weight of a one-half inch build-up of ice
can be enough to snap tree limbs, causing them to fall and bring down power
lines disrupting electrical service and introducing potential
life-threatening situations. Never approach a downed line unless you are
trained to perform such work. Remember
also to consider the weight of wet snow when shoveling.
- If you lose your heat, seal off unused
rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover
windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy
for producing its own heat.
- Be extra cautious if you go outside to
inspect for damage after a storm. Downed
or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris,
and could be live. Never attempt
to touch or move downed lines. Keep
children and pets away from them.
- Do not touch anything that power lines
are touching, such as tree branches or fences.
Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem.
- Make sure you always have a
well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights,
portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water,
non-perishable food and a manual can opener. The use of candles is strongly
discouraged.
- If pipes freeze, remove insulation,
completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting
where they are most exposed to the cold.
A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
- Snowdrifts can be used as a makeshift freezer for food.
(Be aware of attracting animals.)
- Snow can be melted for an additional water source.
- Call the Information Telephone Service
2-1-1 for non-emergency storm-related questions.
- Be a Good Neighbor. Check with elderly
or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.
This is the last of MEMA’s nine Winter Safety Series News Release.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency
responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private
resources during emergencies and disasters in the
Commonwealth
of
Massachusetts
. MEMA provides leadership to:
develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train
emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry;
and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate
against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural
and man made. For additional information about MEMA and Winter Preparedness, go
to the MEMA website at www.mass.gov/mema.