Hurricane Irene update and preparedness information from Durham Town Administrator, Todd Selig:
Town of Durham's Hurricane Irene Weather Update
Thursday, August 25, 2011 – 10:00 PMDear Members of the Community,
Residents are strongly encouraged to prepare for the possibility of power outages, flooding, fallen trees, and blocked roadways associated with Hurricane Irene which is heading toward the East Coast of the United States. The State of New Hampshire, the Town of Durham, PSNH, and other service providers are already taking precautionary steps to deal with what could be a significant storm event.
To learn more about Hurricane Irene and when it may impact this part of New Hampshire, visit the National Weather Service web site at http://www.weather.gov/.
WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE
During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire are encouraged to contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.
For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.
For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.
Members of the community are encouraged to make note of the contact numbers now so they are readily available if power is lost.
WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE
If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.
Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.
DURHAM PLACES ADDITIONAL STAFFING ON CALL
All Town of Durham departments will have additional staffing on hand should they be needed.
Public Works has tree crews on call, detour signs available, barricades ready, equipment fueled, and construction projects buttoned up.
The Durham Fire and Police Departments will have additional shift staffing available as needed.
Durham and UNH have been in touch regarding logistical operations as have Durham and the Oyster River Cooperative School District.
TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE
As has been the case in the past, the Town will endeavor to issue public service alerts as needed to the extent we are able to logistically able to do so. Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.
FIRE DEPARTMENT GOES DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD
On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events. If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance.
FIRE THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD
Unfortunately, there was a serious structure fire Thursday morning, 8/25/11, at 256 Mast Road. This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel. Occupants of the structure were not injured. Two cats perished. Three dogs were saved. One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved. Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire. After an evaluation, the firefighter was released.
NH OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN ACTIVE PREPARING FOR HURRICANE IRENE
Over the course of the day on Thursday, Durham staff members and emergency service personnel from the entire seacoast attended two separate conference calls with the NH Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to prepare for Hurricane Irene. Hourly reports are being issued by the state to keep local emergency officials coordinated and informed. The state is doing an excellent job.
GENERAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS TO CONSIDER FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Step 1: Build a Kit / "To-Go Bag"
Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items such as non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate.
Step 2: Make a Plan
Prepare your family
Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
Plan to Protect Property
Hurricanes do cause heavy rains and winds that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas.
- Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
- Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
- Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Install a generator for emergencies
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
- Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov.
Step 3: Be Informed
Hurricane hazards come in many forms: lightning, tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, high winds, even landslides or mudslides can be triggered in mountainous regions. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.
HURRICANE TERMINOLOGY
Hurricane Watch
A Hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
Hurricane Warning
A Hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.
Category ONE Winds 74-95 mph Category TWO Winds 96-110 mph Category THREE Winds 111-130 mph Category FOUR Winds 131-155 mph Category FIVE Winds greater than 155 mph All of this information was obtained at the FEMA Website. Please visit this site for more detailed information: http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm
We are at this time watching closely the storm track closely, hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst. Fingers crossed.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us
No comments:
Post a Comment