PLYMOUTH — Chief Neil Foley and the Plymouth Fire Department are recommending that residents stay alert and prepare to take any necessary safety precautions as a potentially severe storm tracks toward Plymouth.
The storm has the potential for brief tornadoes, heavy downpours, damaging wind gusts and flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to impact Southern New England from 12-9 p.m., Thursday, July 27.
The Plymouth Fire Department will be staffed and ready to respond to storm-related emergencies that arise. PFD reminds residents to call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency, and that 911 should not be used to inquire about any potential power outages relating to the storm.
Additional safety precautions residents should follow to prepare for a storm include:
- Don’t go out during the storm, if possible.
- Check flashlights and portable radios to confirm they’re working. Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
- Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- If you own a car, make sure its gas tank is at least half full in the event you need to travel. Purchase a car phone charger so that you can charge your device if you lose power at your home.
- Ensure that you have an emergency kit that has basic medicine and bandages.
- Have an emergency food supply in case of a power outage. People should have supplies to sustain their families for at least 72 hours.
- Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). During an outage, minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator or freezer door.
- Prepare your home by securing or bringing in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children’s toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during strong winds or flooding. Also, elevate items in your basement in case of flooding, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronic equipment, park vehicles in areas that are unlikely to flood and remove boats from the water if possible.
- Boats that cannot be removed from the water should be brought in from moorings or have extra lines added to secure them.
- Pack a bag with important items in case you need to evacuate. Don’t forget to include needed medications and any valuable personal belongings.
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