For Immediate Release

Monday, July 24, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Gloucester Fire Department Offers Safety Protocols Following “Hurricane Preparedness Week”

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith and the Gloucester Fire Department are recommending a series of precautions to its residents in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.

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

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

Massachusetts Emergency Management (MEMA) — a state-run agency responsible for helping the state prepare, respond and recover from emergencies and disasters.

“I want to emphasize the importance of staying safe during severe weather to our residents,” Chief Smith said. “Even if our state is not affected directly, there is still a risk of suffering the impact. I urge everyone to follow the outline safety tips and protocols in order to minimize any harm.”

• 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.
• Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.
• 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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