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Sep 6, 2008 12:02 am US/Eastern
Locals Prepare For Hanna's Drenching Rains
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Boaters on the Cape are making preparations for Hanna's heavy rains predicted to hit the area this weekend.
WBZ
Nearly every state along the east coast is bracing for
tropical storm Hanna's impact, which is expected to make its way into New England Saturday night.
Local cities, towns and residents are making preparations for
Hanna's potentially drenching rains.
Gates at Falls Pond in North Attleboro were open Friday, draining water to make room for heavy rain over the weekend.
Boaters on the Cape have been asked to tie down their boats, and many removed their boats from the water all together.
Hull officials are also making preparations for the storm.
"Flooding is our main concern," said Hull Fire Capt. William Souza. "Since the blizzard of 1978, the town has mitigated much of the things our town is concerned about (such as) flood-proofing homes and such."
State emergency officials met Friday with town officials and utility companies to get plans ready in the event that there are power outages from possible downed trees.
MEMA officials said they are concerned about power outages due to high winds, lightning and heavy rain. National Grid said it will have extra crews on hand over the weekend to repair any damage to power lines.
The good news is the storm is expected to hit overnight when less people will be out and about. Officials said this reduces their concern for public safety and allows crews to get around the town easily to repair any damage.
The storm is also expected to hit at low tide, which will reduce the risk for flooding.
WBZ's entire weather team will be tracking these systems. Check out our
forecasts and
blogs.
Boston Takes PrecautionsIn Boston, Mayor Thomas Menino asked residents to also make preparations for heavy rain.
- Residents should clear catch basins in their area of debris that could prevent proper water drainage.
- Residents should secure all outdoor furniture and/or grills – as the gusts from this storm could cause them to become a safety concern.
- Residents should prepare for possible power outages and use caution when using candles.
- Residents should also check on elderly neighbors.
Boston residents with problems or questions during the storm can contact the mayor's 24-hour hotline at 617-635-4500.
National Grid Tips To Prepare For Power Outages
- Have a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. A radio is a good way to stay in touch, as National Grid provides news media with timely information regarding service restoration efforts.
- Post National Grid's emergency outage reporting number—800-465-1212—near your telephone so it will be handy if needed.
- If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
- Never touch downed power lines. If you see one, report it to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
- If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, be sure to disconnect from National Grid's system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel.
- Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.
- People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a National Grid life support customer, call the company's Customer Service Contact Center at 800-322-3223.
- During a power outage, some phones that are linked to a local phone line need electricity to operate. If you would like to register another phone number, such as a cell phone, as your account's primary phone number, please go to www.nationalgridus.com/myaccount and update your information so we can call you with important information during a power outage.
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