For Immediate Release

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Attleboro Fire Department Provides Safety Tips Ahead of Two Upcoming Snowstorms

ATTLEBORO — Chief Scott T. Lachance would like to provide Attleboro residents with safety tips and precautions ahead of two snowstorms that are expected to effect the region on Friday and over the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service, Attleboro is expected to see a light snowstorm beginning early Friday morning with accumulation of less than an inch of snow. With temperatures in the 20s and 30s in the morning, the snow could turn to rain by Friday afternoon with a high temperature of 40 degrees predicted. The morning commute could be impacted by the storm and drivers should use caution on the roads.

A larger storm is predicted over the weekend with as much as 7-9 inches of snow forecast to fall from Saturday night into Sunday. Heavy snow is likely to change to an icy mix and then to rain, mainly across the southeast part of the state. There is a risk of strong wind gusts inland and coastal flooding.

This storm is likely to be followed by a flash freeze beginning late afternoon Sunday into Sunday night, with bitter cold air anticipated on Monday. A high of 12 degrees and a low of 7 degrees is expected.

“We ask residents to check in on their elderly or at risk neighbors before and after these two storms to make sure they are doing well,” Chief Lachance said. “These being the first two storms of the new year we wanted to provide residents with some safety tips as a reminder of some simple steps folks can take before, during and after a snowstorm.”

BEFORE A STORM

• It is always a good idea to have extra batteries in the house. Residents should always be prepared for power outages and stock up on batteries for flashlights or battery powered lanterns. If using candles, there should be a 3 foot ring of safety and be sure to keep them away from anything flammable or combustible.
• Keep cell phones, laptops and tablets charged as much as possible. Consider an external battery for your devices.
• Neighbors should talk with one another and set up plans to assist those who may be at risk and/or in need of help.

DURING A STORM

• Stay off the roads during periods of snow and sleet. If there is a plowable amount of snow, give plow and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.
• If power goes out during the storm, contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 to report an outage.
• To report a gas leak, call 911. Residents can also contact Columbia Gas at 1-800-688-6160 to report a disruption of service.
• If you have an emergency, call 911.

AFTER A STORM

• Do not go near or drive over any downed power lines.
• Clear snow from any gas vents attached to your home.
• Assist the fire department by shoveling out any hydrants near your home.
• Check in on your elderly or at risk family members and neighbors.
• During a power outage, never run generators indoors or in garages. Aim exhaust away from the home, and do not run generators near HVAC intake pipes.
• Do not use space heaters while sleeping.
• Never use your oven as a heat source.

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