For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-865-4110
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Release*

Dedham Police and Fire Departments Offer Severe Weather Safety Tips

DEDHAM —  As hurricane season approaches, Police Chief Michael d’Entremont and Fire Chief William Spillane wish to remind residents to take precautions as the possibility for severe weather increases.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has outlined a series of actions in order to stay safe during a hurricane or tropical storm.

“The impacts of hurricanes or tropical storms can be unpredictable,” Chief d’Entremont said. “We need to work together as a community so that everyone is completely prepared in the event of severe weather.”

Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed July 16-22 as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Powerful storms can result in devastating impacts, including storm surges, heavy inland rainfall, flooding and destructive winds.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-normal number of Atlantic Ocean hurricanes this year.

“Our top priority is the safety of our residents,” Chief Spillane said. “We advise families to implement safety procedures so that they’re not caught off guard by an emergency.”

Residents should identify their evacuation zone, determine an emergency plan and review these safety protocols:

• Stay informed through the Massachusetts Alerts App, which provides warnings and public safety alerts from MEMA.
• Have an emergency kit ready that is sustainable for 72 hours. It should include bottled water, food, a flashlight, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, sanitation items, cash and a charged cell-phone. Be sure to customize your kit to your family requirements as needed.
• Create a family communications plan to stay in touch and find each other in an emergency.
• Ensure your family has a plan to shelter-in-place for at least 72 hours.
• Create a family evacuation plan stating where you will go, how you will get there and what you will bring.

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