BOSTON - Friday,
August 20, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today issued precautions ahead of
Tropical Storm Henri. The storm is expected to impact the Boston area
Sunday, August 22 through Monday, August 23, 2021. During the storm, the
City expects to experience damaging winds, potential power outages, storm
surge flooding, and flooding rain. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors
throughout that time.
“As we prepare for
this storm, I urge all Boston residents to take precautions to stay safe,”
said Mayor Janey. “Please make sure you tie down outdoor items that could
blow away, do not drive through flooded roads, charge any important
electronic devices, and keep enough emergency supplies on hand. In case of
an emergency, call 911, and for non-emergency concerns, call 311. And as
always, be mindful of anyone in your community who may need assistance.”
The City of Boston
is urging the following precautions:
·
Put
together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries,
first aid supplies, copies of critical information, and non-perishable food
items.
·
Make
a family emergency communication plan.
·
Turn
on your TV and radio every 30 minutes to get the latest weather updates.
·
Charge
your cell phone so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
·
Hurricane
winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so trim or remove damaged trees
and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
·
Secure
loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to
prevent water damage to your property.
·
Avoid
driving during the storm.
·
Avoid
walking or driving through flood waters.
·
Consider
clearing street catch basins to prevent or reduce street flooding.
·
Check
on vulnerable neighbors who might need assistance.
·
In
the event of an emergency, call 911.
·
For
non-emergency issues, call 311.
General flood
protection tips:
·
Sign
up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston.
·
Know your zone! Know your evacuation zone and route and be
prepared to evacuate as directed by public officials.
·
Similarly,
find out how vulnerable your property is to flooding. If your home
is in a flood-prone area, contact the National Flood Insurance program to
learn what mitigation measures you can take in advance.
·
Evaluate
your insurance coverage once a year to make sure your home is fully
covered.
·
If
you live in a flood-prone area, keep these materials on hand: sandbags,
plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, trash bags, shovels, work boots and
gloves.
In advance of a
flood event:
·
Tie
down or bring in outdoor objects (outdoor furniture, trash receptacles,
etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during flooding.
·
Elevate
items stored in your basement to prevent damage. If you have a sump pump,
check that it is working. Remove hazardous household materials (e.g. paint,
petroleum products) from basements and other areas that may flood.
·
Do
not park your vehicle near the harbor, streams or rivers, especially during
threatening weather conditions.
·
Follow
any directives to turn off utilities. If you’re advised to switch off the
main power source to your home, flip each breaker and THEN turn off the
main breaker. You may also need to shut off the main valve for your home’s
gas and water service.
After a flood event:
·
If
you have evacuated, return home only when authorities have indicated it is
safe.
·
Do
not go near any downed power lines especially if there is standing water
nearby.
·
Avoid
walking or driving through flood waters.
·
If
your home experienced flooding, keep the power off until an electrician has
inspected your system for safety.
·
Do
not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while
standing on a wet surface.
·
Have
an electrician inspect electrical appliances that have been wet and do not
turn on or plug in appliances unless an electrician tells you it is safe. A
trained professional may be able to recondition some devices while others
will require replacement.
·
Photograph
damage to your property to assist in filing an insurance claim.
·
Take
necessary measures to prevent further damage to private property
immediately following a flood event, as damage caused after a qualifying
event may not be covered by insurance.
Homeless Services:
The City of Boston
works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is
adequate shelter from the high winds and rain. BPHC’s emergency shelters at
112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave are open 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Amnesty has been called because of the expected heavy
rainfall and potential flash flooding so those with non-violent
restrictions can access shelter. All sites are following COVID-19
guidelines by promoting handwashing, hand sanitizer, and face coverings.
For more information
about hurricane preparedness tips, visit here. Flooding tips can be found here. For more information about emergency preparedness, visit here.
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