What to Expect When Tropical Storm Sandy Arrives – Mayor Encourages Community Members to Stay Home

Mayor Thomas M. Menino is urging residents to take necessary precautions in preparation for severe weather expected to impact Boston early Monday morning. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued coastal flood and high wind warnings for the area effective as of 6:00am, Monday, October 29, 2012.

Starting Monday morning, sustained winds – between 40 and 50 mph – are expected between 8:00am and 8:00pm. To better understand wind conditions, community members should know that winds of 50 mph can bring tree branches to the ground while winds of 60 mph could possibly uproot trees.

Said Mayor Menino, “In the interest of public safety, I urge Boston employers to assist the city in our efforts to keep residents safe by allowing employees to work from home.”

City Services:

The Boston Centers for Youth & Families (located at Curtis Hall, Hyde Park, Paris Street and the Tobin Community Center) will be open tomorrow from 7:30am to 6:00pm to provide a safe and secure location for parents to bring their children in light of the BPS closure. Other BCYF centers will open only in the event of an emergency that necessitates it.

Boston Police Department’s Unified Command Center will open at 6:00am to coordinate public safety response. The City’s Emergency Operations Center will open at 8:00am.

Public safety agencies will have additional response crews and equipment available throughout the city’s neighborhoods for the duration of the storm.

The Boston Fire Department is expecting down power lines throughout the storm and will have eight additional teams on duty.

Power Lines:

All down lines should be considered live and extremely dangerous, and should be reported to the Mayor’s hotline at (617) 635-4500.

NSTAR & National Grid:

The Office of Emergency Management is actively monitoring storm track with weather agencies and coordinating with state and federal agencies. The City is working closely with NSTAR, National Grid and other utilities to manage outages. All planned public events for Monday have been cancelled. City employees are encouraged to check with their immediate supervisor for further information.

Things You Can Do:

Boston residents should register for emergency notifications from Alert Boston at www.cityofboston.gov/alertboston, or follow @notifyboston on Twitter for updates. Residents can also call the Mayor’s 24-hour hotline (617-635-4500) with any storm-related issues or concerns.

Trash Pick Up:

Due to expected high wind speeds, residents should ensure all trash and recycling containers are secured. Trash and recycling in Boston will be collected starting at 5:00am on Monday. If residents can hold items until their next scheduled pick-up day, they are being asked to do so. Residents should avoid placing out barrels and bins; instead trash should be double-bagged for collection.
 

Safety Tips:
•Put together an emergency supply kit, which should include food, water, medical supplies, and any other necessities for during and after the storm, if needed.
•Keep batteries and flashlights on hand in case of power outage.
•Stay indoors and away from windows.
•Do not drive or go outside during the storm to help keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
•Immediately after a storm, use caution going outdoors. Be alert for hazards such as broken glass, down power lines, and damage to buildings.
•Secure patio furniture, grills, window boxes, air conditioners, or anything else that may become a projectile in high winds.