New Bedford Winter Storm Preparedness

Mayor Jon Mitchell recently met with the heads of the key City departments to ensure New Bedford is prepared to meet the challenges associated with the snow and ice anticipated this winter season. As of December 10, 2013 the Department of Public Infrastructure has made sand available to city residents at the following locations:

• Department of Public Infrastructure – 1105 Shawmut Avenue
• New Bedford City Yard – Corner of Smith St. and Liberty Street
• Brooklawn Park – Irvington Street Side
• Hazelwood Park – Brock Avenue Side

Residents are advised to bring their own small container to collect the sand at any of these locations. The City has also updated the list of designated parking areas where residents may find off street parking available in the event a snow emergency parking ban is declared. The City of New Bedford has designated the following areas as preferred parking areas for those residents in need of off-street parking while the emergency snow parking ban is in effect:

• Victory Park – Brock Avenue
• Hazelwood Park – Brock Avenue
• Roosevelt Middle School – Brock Avenue and Dennis Street
• Cove Street Parking Lot – Cove Street and Morton Court
• Orchard Street at Camara Soccer Field
• Congdon School – Thompson and Hemlock Street
• Buttonwood Park Parking Area – Hawthorn Street Side and Lake Street Side
• Former St. Mary’s Home – Entrance on Mill Street
• Coggeshall Street Parking Lot – Coggeshall Street and Acushnet Avenue
• Sawyer Street Parking Lot – Between Sawyer Street and Beetle Street
• Brooklawn Park Parking Area – Brooklawn Street (South Side)
• Normandin Middle School – Tarkiln Hill Road
• Jireh Swift School – Tarkiln Hill Road
• Campbell School – Phillips Road
• Riverside Park Lot – Coffin Avenue
• Coffin Avenue Lot- Across from Taber Mills Apartments
• Alma del Mar Charter School (former Ottiwell School) – 26 Madeira Avenue
• Former AVX site on Bellville Avenue at Hadley Street
• Philips Avenue School – 249 Phillips Avenue
• DeValles School – 120 Katherine Street
• Parker School – 705 County Street
• Elm Street Garage
• Zeiterion Garage – 688 Purchase Street

Mayor Mitchell also encouraged residents to take steps now to ensure they are prepared in advance to face significant winter weather.

“I am asking residents to ensure the safety of their family and protect their home in the event of a winter storm by taking steps today to develop a plan and get it in place before severe weather hits our city,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

The Mayor urged residents to review the list of winter weather preparedness tips that Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) released today.

• Understand the winter terminology used by weather forecasters:

1. Winter Storm Watch – Be alert, a storm is likely.
2. Winter Storm Warning – Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.
3. Blizzard Warning – Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately.
4. Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.
5. Frost/Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops or fruit trees.

• Ensure your Winter Emergency Supply Kit is stocked with supplies to enable you to survive on your own for at least three to five days. There should be a first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a manual can opener, water (one gallon per person, per day), flashlights and extra batteries along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio, baby-care or pet supplies items, extra blankets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.
• Ensure that your Winter Emergency Car Kit is well stocked to keep you and your vehicle safe.
• If a storm is coming that may bring power outages, fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in advance of a power outage.
• Do not call 9-1-1 to report your power outage or to ask for information, use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. New Bedford residents may report power outages directly to NSTAR via the “Report an Outage” online tool or by calling 800-592-2000 Call 2-1-1 with other winter-related issues.
• Consider purchasing a solar-powered or hand crank charger. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger to enable you to charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
• Download the free ping4alert! app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
• Trim dead tree branches and limbs close to your home. Ice, snow and wind can combine to snap limbs that can take down power lines or damage your home.
• Clean gutters. Melting snow and ice can build up if gutters are clogged with debris. When thawing begins, the water can back up under your roof and eaves causing damage to walls and ceilings.
• Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage.
• Ensure that your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device.
• Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and cleaned if necessary to lessen the risk of fire.
• Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have the option of emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can safely keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.
• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to safely shut off gas, electric power and water valves.
• If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), be prepared to fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.
• If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
• If electric power is lost, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
• Review the process for manually operating your electric garage door.
• Be a Good Neighbor. Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access and functional needs.