Chief Neil Foley and Emergency Management Director Christian Horvath would like to share the following safety precautions with Plymouth residents ahead of this week’s expected storm.
At this time, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Wind Warning and a Coastal Flood Watch for Plymouth County, including the Town of Plymouth.
The High Wind Warning, which will be in effect from 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, through 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, predicts winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. During the High Wind Warning, damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines, causing a risk of power outages.
Due to forecast winds and the tide schedule, a Coastal Flood Advisory will be in effect until 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 15. Areas of common occurrence for coastal flooding include Long Beach/Warren Avenue and White Horse Beach. Residents can stay up to date with any road closures through the Town’s website and social media accounts.
The Plymouth Fire Department wishes to share the following safety tips to help residents prepare for the upcoming storm:
- Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
- Prepare for possible power outages.
- Be sure you have ample heating fuel. If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
- Stay indoors during a storm. If outdoors, seek shelter immediately.
- Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space.
- Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and other electronic devices.
- Consider unplugging sensitive electronic equipment before flooding occurs. But, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries.
- Stay informed and pay attention to the information provided by local authorities.
- Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Black ice is patchy ice on roadways that cannot easily be seen. Even if roadways have been cleared of snow following a storm, any water left on the roadways may freeze, resulting in a clear sheet of ice, also known as black ice.
- Do not walk through flowing water. Most drownings occur during flash floods. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet.
If your power is out, follow MEMA’s power outage safety tips. Report power outages to your utility company. Do not call 911 to report an outage or to ask about power restoration.
- Resources for local residential services:
- Eversource: To report power outages or gas emergencies call 800-592-2000
- Verizon: 800-837-4966
- Comcast/Xfinity: 800-934-6489
For additional winter storm safety information, visit NWS or the Red Cross. For any other questions on cold weather safety please visit weather.gov.