Above: A large tree took out power lines on Boston Road last weekend (photo courtesy of www.framingham.com)
With two multiday power outages in as many months, many Southborough residents are wondering if there will be more outages in our future, particularly as we head into the winter storm season.
Southborough Emergency Management Director Neal Aspesi passed along a statement issued by FEMA earlier this week. In it the agency said now is the time to prepare for what severe weather lies ahead. “More severe weather systems will strike this area,” FEMA said. “It’s a matter of when, not if.”
So what can you do? FEMA says to put together a disaster kit and store it in a portable container in case you need to evacuate your home. Here’s what your kit should contain:
- At least a three-day supply of food and bottled water for each family member
- Manual can opener
- Battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
- First aid kit with family members’ medications and prescription information
- Hygiene and personal care items
- Emergency contact list and phone numbers
- Copies of important papers including insurance policies and bank account information
- Emergency money – preferably cash – or credit card
- Keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle
- Don’t forget additional supplies for infants, older residents, and those with functional needs.
- Pet supplies (if applicable)
FEMA also recommends you put together a family disaster plan to help keep you safe in the event of an emergency. You can read more about that, and other recommendations, in this press release.
