For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Police Department Offers Severe Weather Safety Tips for Homeowners

GROVELAND – Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen and the Groveland Police Department are providing safety tips for residents to prepare for severe weather, as northeastern Massachusetts expects multiple storms this week.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes or tropical storms can cause a multitude of problems like power outages, fallen debris and floods that often block roads and repair vehicles, prolonging damage.

“As summer starts to wind down, we encourage families and homeowners to be aware of potential severe weather as they spend time outside,” Deputy Chief Gillen said. “You can never be too prepared for an emergency situation.”

Deputy Chief Gillen and the Groveland Police Department recommend the following steps, outlined by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), to prepare their property for the next tropical storm or hurricane:

• For insurance purposes, make a record of your personal property. Take photos or videos of the interior and exterior of your home and of your personal belongings. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist insurance adjusters in case you need to file a claim.
• Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box. Many people also back up important documents online.
• Keep trees and shrubbery around your home trimmed. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown down, causing damage, during a storm.
• Clear clogged rain gutters. Hurricanes and tropical storms often bring torrential rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding.
• Make sure storage sheds, children’s playhouses and other outside structures are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.
• Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each window.
• Make a list of outdoor items to bring inside in case of a storm, such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys, and awnings.
• Learn where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.
• Consider installing a generator in case of a power outage.
• Lock doors and windows during a storm to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.

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