波士頓不分區市議員選舉17人角逐 華人前進會26日介紹

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓市的市級選舉，即將於9月14日辦理初選，有意投票者，必須在今(25)日以前完成選民登記。華人前進會為協助選民認識候選人，將於26日(週四)晚7點，在網上舉辦不分區市議員選舉說明會。

              9月2日晚7點，華人前進會還將舉辦選票樣本說明會，希望幫助選民進一步了解今年選舉的內容。

              波士頓市今年的選舉，因在位市長離任引發骨牌效應，市長及不分區議員席位依序共有8人，17人的這麼多人參選。

             市長部分，共有8人繳交了3000名波士頓居民的支持簽名，符合參選資格，其中4人為在位市議員，連帶影響了今年的不分區市議員，以及第4區和第7區的分區議員選舉格外熱鬧。

              由於身為不分區市議員的吳弭、第4區市議員的Andrea Campbell相繼於去年9月就宣佈了參選，不分區市議員Annissa Essaibi George和從第7區市議員，因身為市議會議長，在馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)到華府當勞工部部長後，繼位為代市長的Kim Janey，也相繼於今年二，三月宣佈參選市長，波士頓市今年的市長選戰，雖然不像當年萬寧路(Tom Menino)宣佈不再競選連任後，共有12人跳入選戰的熱鬧，今年的市長選戰，可是打得時間頗長，而且市長候選人論壇場次超多，不過各候選人在普羅選民中的知名度，卻似乎仍然不夠高。

              共有13人的波士頓市議會，因前述緣故，一下子出缺4席。

              共有4席的波士頓市不分區市議員席位，出缺2席，包括另外2名競選連任的在位者，共有17人繳交了1500個支持者簽名，參加角逐。其中的James Reginald Colimon，Erin J. Murphy和Jonathan M. Spillane在紐英崙中華公所舉辦中秋節聯歡會時，都特地出席拜會，和選民見面。反倒是在位，要競選連任的2名不分區市議員，Julia Mejia和曾經與華埠關係很近的Michael F. Flaherty沒有出席。

              分區市議員部分，今年第1區的Lydia Marie Edwards，第2區的愛德華費林Ed Flynn)，第8區的Prescilla Kenzie Bok，因為都無對手，將同額當選。第4區有多達9人角逐，第7區也有8人角逐，其餘的第3，5，9區各有2或3名參選人。

              華人前進會早前寄發通訊給地方民眾，洋洋灑灑地強調9月14日及11月2日出席投票十分重要，希望有色人種社區團結，爭取平等。該通訊不單只列因了市長及不分區市議員候選人就華人前進會所提5及10個問題的回答，也提醒民眾在今年的11月大選時，選票上還會有一項詢問選民是否同意給波士頓市議員權力，參與制定市府年度預算的上公投問題。

              8月26日及9月2日的網路會議網址為，http://us02web.zoom.us/j/83543055678，會議ID是835 4305 5678，用手機可撥打16465588656，83543055678#US。

華人前進會籲關注選區重劃 提議市級選區也重劃

 

波士頓市選區

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 選區重劃對選出什麼樣的人來代表自己，可能有重大影響。華人前進會最近正連續舉辦教育性活動，解說美國政府的這一制度，希望地方民眾能進一步了解，積極為自己發聲。

              美國政府在每10年一次的人口普查之後，都會辦理選區重劃，旨在劃分聯邦及州層級的民意代表選區界線，以期每一選區內都有大約同等數目的人口。

                           目前麻州的聯邦議員席次為參議員2人(無選區)，聯邦眾議員9人，州政府有州參議員40人，州眾議員160人。在2022年2月，有意參選者遞交參選意願前，麻州政府理論上應在該日期前完成選區重劃，但麻州政府在4月，5月各開過一次選區重劃會議後，並未訂出完成選區重劃的議程時間表。

華人前進會主任陳玉珍在8月24日的「選區重劃社區會議」中指出，選區重劃本來的目的是確保每個人都獲得平等的政治代表權，但近年來，藉由gerrymandering，選區重劃已被政治團體用來把某些社區排除在政治權力之外，但這可藉由鼓勵更多人參與選區重劃，倡議社區團結來打破，因而華人前進會希望更多民眾關心選區重劃，參與並表達意見。

在8月4日的華埠居民會月例會中，陳玉珍還以普莉斯來(Ayanna Presley)當選為麻州第一個女性有色人種國會議員為例，指出那就是因為2010年人口普查，選區重劃後，麻州國會議員第七選區變成了少數族裔佔多數的選區。

根據2010年後的麻州國會選區的人口地理分析，麻州第七國會選區內西語裔人口21.9%，黑人24.4%，亞裔10.4%，而白人僅只40.46%。

 

華人前進會主任陳玉珍促民眾關注選區重劃。

           美國政府在談及選區重劃時，多半只談聯邦及州級政府，但選區重劃也可以有地方市鎮的選區重劃。陳玉珍在24日晚的會議中鼓勵居民考慮波士頓市內的選區重劃，包括華埠是否應該和南端區(South End)合併，或是和堡壘村，以及其他有許多華裔居住的老人屋聯合起來。

            陳玉珍還提供了一些人口統計數據的變化，供人參考，包括整個波士頓市的亞裔人口，2020年比2010年增加了38%，在南波士頓水前區的成長率高達312%，在洛士百利成長147%。若以人口數來看，多徹斯特增加了最多亞裔，增加了2723人，華埠的亞裔居民比率最高，有59.9%。

            陳玉珍指出，重劃華埠選區的關鍵問題是，華埠與南端相鄰，華埠和其他有色人種及移民的關連性，以及該如何劃選區界線，才能讓華人社區更有聲音。華人前進會將就相關問題繼續和地方民眾討論。

CAPAC Chair Statement on House Passage of the Budget Resolution

CAPAC Chair Statement on House Passage of the Budget Resolution 

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 220-212 to pass the $3.5 trillion budget resolution, This resolution provides instructions to House Committees to begin crafting legislative language for President Biden’s Build Back Better plan, which delivers on the promise of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and paves the way for investments in health care, education, paid leave, housing, climate change mitigation efforts, reducing the price of prescription drugs and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living in the United States. CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) issued the following statement:

“At a time when our communities need it most, this transformative budget represents one of the most significant investments in AAPI workers, families, and communities that our country has seen in decades. At a time when Asian Americans have experienced the highest proportional surge in unemployment out of any racial group throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this budget resolution opens the door for landmark polices that will ensure our community can thrive - like creating a national paid family leave program, expanding the Child Tax Credit, investing in small businesses, reducing prescription drug prices, and strengthening the care economy. Importantly, this resolution creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix our broken immigration system by providing a pathway to citizenship and addressing ways to keep our families together. There are more than 130,000 eligible AAPI DACA recipients, 15,000 active AAPI DACA participants, and 14,000 AAPI TPS recipients. Many of them are amongst the 2 million AAPIs who worked as frontline workers during the pandemic. Providing them with a path to citizenship would allow them to continue their lives in the country that they risked their health and wellbeing to serve during the pandemic.

“As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am committed to advancing sweeping, transformative legislation that will have real and lasting impacts on AAPI families. I look forward to working with my CAPAC colleagues to craft a Build Back Better bill that addresses to the needs of our communities.”

波士頓慈濟人文學校講座呈現中文教師職涯面面觀

波士頓慈濟人文學校舉辦「麻州中文教師職涯資訊座談會」。

            (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導) 波士頓慈濟人文學校8月22日舉辦「麻州中文教師職涯資訊座談會」，內容涵蓋考證照，面試的準備，代課、兼職，全職老師在職責，資格，待遇或福利上的差異，為擴大中文教師人才鋪路。

              駐波士頓經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元、波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮稱許波士頓慈濟人文學校舉辦這麼有意義的活動，感謝校長彭淑敏和主講老師們對教育的熱忱，為服務社區付出，並說明僑委會正在推廣的台灣華語文中心，希望各界響應。

波士頓慈濟人文學校校長彭淑敏感謝老師們拔刀相助，分享經驗知識。

              「麻州中文教師職涯資訊座談會」共邀6名老師，包括Arlington Gibbs初中鄭淳文、William Diamond 和 Jonas Clarke中學陳佳蓓，Jonas Clarke中學莊珮娸、Martin Luther King郭靜如、Baldwin Early Learning Pilot Academy校長吳明真、Wayland中學張君芳等，從不同角度闡述麻州中文老師行業概況。

                         鄭淳文在「考證照的必要：如何考，怎麼準備，一次考過？」這講座中說明，在麻州當老師，要先考教師證照(License)，有臨時(Temporary)，暫時 (provisional teaching)，初始(Initial teaching)，以及專業等不同類別，分別有1到5年效期。要取得執照，得先通過考試(MTEL)，以中文老師來說，要考的科目包括英文閱讀及寫作，中文聽讀理解力，語言學及語言結構，文化觀點，比較及聯繫，還有書寫表達。詳情可上麻州政府網站查詢: https://gateway.edu.state.ma.us/elar/licensurehelp/LicenseRequirementsCriteriaPageControl.ser。

 駐波士頓經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元稱許波士頓慈濟人文學校舉辦
這有意義的活動。

                        陳佳蓓闡述如何「從代課老師到兼職老師」，用情境舉例，讓人更清楚代課老師所面對挑戰，再說明有意代課者，可上網www.STEDI.org接受技能培訓，再到自己有意任教校區的網站輸入”Substitute Teacher-District Wide (SY2021-2022)，來查察機會。以波士頓公校系統為例，代課一天6到7小時，薪資約為154到172元左右。至於當半職，或稱兼職老師，好處是不需要處理行政事務，如上課時間排在相鄰時段，課後可離校，醫療保險等福利並不會減半，還可以同時在兩個學校當半職老師，加起來也等於一個全職。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮請老師們支持台灣華語文中心。

其他幾位老師，莊珮娸講「私立 VS 公立 ：中文老師怎麼找適合自己的職場」，指出有意申請當公校老師者，可在School Spring這網站註冊登記，到私立學校當老師，可到Carney Sandoe & Associates去登記，就可以收到職位通知；郭靜如談「專職教師  V.S. 老師助理」。吳明真講「麻州中文教師職場面面觀+ 教職薪資與財務遠景」；張君芳談「萬事俱備的下一步：如何準備面試」。

波士頓慈濟人文學校校長彭淑敏表示，因為Henri颶風來襲，座談會臨時改為網上舉行，很感謝經文處和僑教中心支持，更感謝老師們拔刀相助，這次會議的內容十分豐富，相信所有人都收穫滿滿。

  鄭淳文在「考證照的必要：
如何考，怎麼準備，一次考過？」

   陳佳蓓闡述如何「從代課老師到兼職老師」

吳明真校長講「麻州中文教師職場面面觀
+ 教職薪資與財務遠景」。

張君芳談「萬事俱備的下一步：如何準備面試」

莊珮娸講「私立 VS 公立 ：
中文老師怎麼找適合自己的職場」

郭靜如談「專職教師  V.S. 老師助理」

Boston Athletic Association Partners with Maurten as Exclusive Gel Nutrition Sponsor of the Boston Marathon & B.A.A. Half Marathon

Boston Athletic Association Partners with Maurten as Exclusive Gel Nutrition Sponsor of the Boston Marathon & B.A.A. Half Marathon

Maurten Gel 100 & Gel 100 CAF 100 To Be Available on Boston Marathon Route

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), organizer of the Boston Marathon, has partnered with Maurten to enhance participant nutrition and fueling at the Boston Marathon and B.A.A. Half Marathon. Maurten, the Swedish-based hydrogel sports fuel company, and the B.A.A. have agreed to a multi-year partnership which designates Maurten as an Official Sponsor, Exclusive Gel Nutrition Partner, and Official Hydrogel provider of both signature B.A.A. events.

“We at the B.A.A. are always looking for ways to enhance our participants’ race experience, especially in the area of nutrition,” said Tom Grilk, President and C.E.O. of the B.A.A. “We are proud to partner with Maurten, as both of our missions focus on the promotion of athletic excellence, health, and fitness.”

Maurten’s caffeinated and non-caffeinated Gels, Gel 100 and Gel 100 CAF 100, will be available in three locations along the Boston Marathon course (miles 11.6, 17, and 21.5) and one location at future B.A.A. Half Marathons. Maurten will also be featured throughout event programing, including in race training clinics. Boston Marathon and B.A.A. Half Marathon participants and followers will receive tips on best nutrition practices to prepare for long-distance running through digital campaigns led by Maurten.

“We’ve always said that we support the best runners in the world. That wasn’t entirely true, since we haven’t had the chance to support all Boston runners out there. So, we’re very happy that that’s about to change and that we level the playing field by making sure all runners in Boston, not only the elite, gets access to the same hydrogel based fueling technology,” said Olof Sköld, C.E.O at Maurten.

Maurten and its hydrogel based sports fuel line has revolutionized fueling in endurance sports. The Swedish company set out in 2015 to find a way to minimize the risk of gastric distress while consuming carbohydrates during races and in training. Today, Maurten is an official sponsor of other world-class endurance events including the Berlin Marathon and IRONMAN, and also supports numerous professional athletes including U.S. Olympian Molly Seidel, world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, and Boston Marathon champions Worknesh Degefa, Des Linden and Geoffrey Kirui. The latter two athletes will compete as part of the John Hancock Professional Athlete Team at the 125^th Boston Marathon in October.

Maurten can be found for purchase online at maurten.com and through running specialty stores.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Boston Marathon was moved from its traditional date of the third Monday in April to Monday, October 11. The fall race will feature a field size of 20,000 participants, as well as a rolling start for the first time. The in-person race will be complemented by a virtual race, which will be held from Friday, October 8 through Sunday, October 10. For the 36^th year, John Hancock will serve as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon.

CAPAC Chair Statement on House Passage of John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

CAPAC Chair Statement on House Passage of John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

 

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, introduced by Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07). This bill protects voters from discrimination by restoring key protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) which were gutted by the Supreme Court in the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision and the 2021 Brnovich v. DNC decision.

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), an original cosponsor of this legislation, issued the following statement:

“Today, I was proud to vote to restore and strengthen voting right protections that empower our federal government to fight against racist disenfranchising laws of the Jim Crow era and ensure that all Americans have a fair opportunity to cast their ballot. Last year, we saw Asian American and Pacific Islander voter turnout increase from less than 2.8 million in 2016 to around 4 million in 2020. This skyrocketing participation of AAPI voters means our community is increasingly becoming the key constituency across the nation.

“However, in the first five months of 2021 alone, nearly 400 voter restriction bills were introduced across 48 states. That is why voter suppression laws meant to make it harder to vote are such a threat to AAPIs and all communities of color. At a time when recent census data show that AAPIs are the fastest growing racial group in the country, H.R. 4 is an opportunity for Congress to uphold the sacred right to vote for all. I cast my vote today in loving memory of my friend and former colleague John Lewis, who was unwavering in his fight to protect the right to vote as a touchstone of our democracy. I urge our Senate colleagues to swiftly pass this bill so we can get it to the President’s desk and ensure every American’s voice is heard.”

藍自行車在波士頓將新增12車站

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES LOCATIONS FOR NEW BIKE SHARE STATIONS  For the first time, Bluebikes will be made available in Hyde Park.

 

BOSTON - Monday, August 23, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced the first locations for bike share stations in Hyde Park. The new stations will provide eco-friendly transportation options along the Hyde Park Avenue corridor into Cleary Square. Additional stations will be added in Mattapan and Dorchester as part of this year’s expansion. “I’m proud to bring public bike share to Boston’s vibrant Hyde Park neighborhood,” said Mayor Janey. “Bluebikes provides affordable and sustainable transportation, linking Boston’s residents to work, school and public attractions across the city. I am looking forward to the continued expansion of BlueBikes in all of Boston’s neighborhoods.” After conversations with neighborhood residents and community leaders, the Boston Transportation Department identified eight new locations for Bluebikes stations in Hyde Park, as well as four additional locations in Mattapan and Dorchester: 1.  Butler Trolley T Stop. 2.  Morton Street at Gallivan Boulevard 3.  Shops at Riverwood 4.  Ross Playground 5.  Metropolitan Avenue at America's Food Basket 6.  American Legion Highway at Hyde Park Avenue 7.  Hyde Park Avenue at Arlington Street 8.  Hyde Park Library 9.  Cleary Square 10. Truman Parkway at Fairmount Avenue 11. Cummins Highway at Blue Hill Avenue Station 12. Cummins Highway at Itasca Street

 

“I thank all of our neighbors who helped us select these locations,” said Greg Rooney, Commissioner of the Boston Transportation Department. “I look forward to seeing more people visit Hyde Park’s businesses and open space.” Discounted 30-day and annual passes are available to residents of the Metro Boston region who participate in public assistance programs, such as SNAP, or otherwise have eligible incomes. The cost for a 30-day pass is only $5 and a full-year pass is available for $50. Both passes provide unlimited access to nearly 4000 bikes and trips up to 60 minutes are included in the price. People who reside in transitional housing or are experiencing homelessness can buy an annual pass for only $5. A celebration of bike share in Hyde Park is planned for September 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Cleary Square. A specially-designed bike that celebrates the 54th Regiment and Meigs Field will be unveiled at the event. Installation of the new stations is expected to begin in September, pending permitting. More information about the planning process and an interactive map of the planned locations can be found at boston.gov/bike-share-expansion.

Kim Janey 推出電視廣告 強調她的波士頓居民經驗

電視廣告截圖

          (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓代市長Kim Janey的競選陣營今(23)日宣佈，推出第一則競選電視廣告，談她的生活經驗，以及她對波士頓居民所面對挑戰的第一手經驗，她說，因為她曾親身體會過。她也重點強調她代表波士頓人做的一些事，包括擴大可負擔住宅，改革警察局，把疫苗注射進人們的手臂中。

                          這則30秒長的電視廣告，標題是”經驗”，將於週二在某些有線及無線電視台，以英語，西班牙語播映。這是Kim Janey購買，數以十萬元計的廣告之一。

                   在這廣告中，Kim Janey說，「我和前任市長們的不同是什麼?   經驗。我是Kim Janey，11歲時我經歷了巴士隔離政策，16歲時我當了母親，甚至曾經住過庇護所。我知道波士頓的挑戰，因我我經歷過。那就是為什麼我擴大可負擔住宅項目，改革我們的警察局，並儘可能地把疫苗注射進更多人的手臂。我們要確保每個鄰里都能夠感到安全、快樂……而我們才正開始」。

                MAYOR JANEY RELEASES FIRST TV AD 

The ad highlights her lived experience, making history as first woman and Black Mayor of Boston, and her work on behalf of residents

Link Here

BOSTON – Boston Mayor Kim Janey, in the first television advertisement of her campaign, talks about her lived experience and firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing Boston residents — because, as she says in the ad, “I have lived them.” She also highlights some of the work she has done on behalf of the people of Boston, including expanding affordable housing, reforming the Police Department and getting vaccines into arms. 

 

The 30-second spot, entitled “Experience,” will begin airing on Tuesday, in English and Spanish, on select cable and broadcast outlets as part of a six-figure advertising buy. In the ad Janey says:

“What’s the difference between me and every mayor before me? Experience. I’m Kim Janey and I experienced desegregation busing at 11, motherhood at 16, even lived in a shelter. I know Boston’s challenges because I lived them. It’s why I’m expanding affordable housing programs, reforming our Police Department and getting vaccines into as many arms as possible. We’re making sure that every neighborhood can experience safety and joy… and we’re just getting started.”

波士頓市長匯報Henri來襲 發言不到10分鐘

 

麻州長籲請民眾注意天氣預報 防範Henri熱帶風暴 (video)

 

熱帶風暴 HENRI來襲 Kim Janey提醒居民注意安全

(Boston Orange編譯)波士頓代市長Kim Janey在20日發佈熱帶風暴Henri警告，波士頓地區估計會有具破壞性強風，可能停電，因暴風雨湧現洪水，大雨淹水等情況，請民眾在8月22日至23日之間，儘量待在家                            Kim Janey促請所有波士頓居民採取保持安全措施，把戶外物品綁起來，免得被大風吹走，不要開車穿越淹水的道路，重要的電子設備要充滿電，身邊要有足夠的緊急用品。遇到緊急狀況，撥打911電話，非緊急狀況，可撥打311，要記得照顧社區內任何一個需要照顧的人。 MAYOR JANEY URGES PRECAUTION AHEAD OF TROPICAL STORM HENRI

 

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.