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Storm Preparation

Before a Storm – Be Prepared

Make an emergency kit. CLICK HERE for MEMA’s Emergency Kit Checklist. 

  • Have plenty of non-perishable food, drinking water, and pet food on hand.
  • Have first aid supplies and prescriptions on hand.
  • Have flashlights, spare batteries, candles, and matches available.
  • Fill your car’s gas tank in case pumps aren’t working.
  • Charge your cell phone, tablet, and laptop to full capacity.
  • If your water supply could be affected by a power outage, fill your bathtub with water to flush toilets. DO NOT use this water for drinking.
  • Turn your refrigerator/freezer up to the coldest setting to keep food cold if the power goes out. Remember to reset to normal once power is restored.
  • If you have a generator, make sure you know how to safely use it and that you have a sufficient amount of gasoline on hand. NEVER install or run a generator inside.
  • Find out if your town intends to open shelters and where they will be located.
  • Be prepared with books, puzzles, cards, and board games to keep the family entertained.

 

During a Storm – Be Informed

Where to Find Outage Information:

  • Area outages and, if possible, estimated time of restoration (ETR) will be updated on our website 
  • Click here to sign up for email and or telephone updates

If you lose power: 

  • Check our website to see if we have anything reported in your area.
  • If you do not have the capability to check online at our website, call GMLD 978-352-5730 to report the outage and please be patient as there may be several people calling at once.
  • Minimize opening and closing your refrigerator/freezer as much as possible to keep the cool air inside. During cold weather, you can put food in a sealed container (to prevent animal access) and put the container outside to keep food from spoiling. Only do this if it’s safe to go outdoors.
  • Unplug your electrical devices (TV, DVD player, microwave, computer, stereo, etc.) that are not plugged into surge protectors. When power is restored, wait a few minutes to plug devices back in.
  • Follow the safety instructions of local authorities.

Downed power lines: 

  • Report downed power lines to GMLD or local emergency personnel immediately.
  • Always keep your distance and never drive over downed power lines.
  • Do not touch anything that may be in contact with downed power lines such as trees, fences, guardrails, etc.