Wrentham Police Department Issues Storm Warning

FROM THE WRENTHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT:

The Town of Wrentham, including the Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Fire Department and Department of Public Works have begun to prepare for the arrival of a potential historic snowstorm which is currently projected to hit the Massachusetts area sometime Friday, February 8, 2013 and lasting into the weekend.

This storm has the potential to rival the historic blizzard of 1978 which paralyzed the region with more than two feet of snow and hurricane force winds. 

The National Weather Service is calling this storm one of the most significant weather events to hit the east coast of the United States in decades. We are anticipating blizzard conditions, with temperatures in the 20’s, high winds and snow falling two to three inches an hour at the peak of the storm, making traveling almost impossible. They are recommending that people begin taking action immediately to prepare for significant damage caused by high wind and snow drifts. 

The Wrentham Police Department encourages residents to begin taking steps immediately to prepare for a significant weather event.

The Town of Wrentham has a Winter Parking Ban from December 1st to April 1st. This ban prohibits the parking of any motor vehicles on any public way from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This allows the Department of Public Works to plow and open roads in a more efficient manner. Your cooperation with the parking ban will be greatly appreciated. 

Household emergency supplies should include enough food and water supplies to last four days without power. Residents should ensure that they have the following items at a minimum: 

• Food that doesn’t require heating or refrigeration, such as canned meats, soups, cereal and energy bars 
• Manual can opener 
• Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils 
• Bottled water 
• Flashlights and batteries 
• Battery powered radio 
• Cell phone and charger 
• Four day supply of prescription medicine 
• Blanket and cold weather clothing for each family member 
• Pet food and water for household pets 
• Vehicle filled with gasoline 
• If you have a generator make sure it is in working order Unless evacuated, please stay in your homes for safety reasons and allow public safety personnel to perform their duties to the best of their ability. 

If you experience loss of power please call National Grid at 1-800-322-3223 and DO NOT call Wrentham Public Safety Dispatch as they will more than likely be tied up with other emergency situations. 

In the event of an emergency during the storm, residents should call 9-1-1. For all other inquiries or to report property damage, please contact the Police Department at 508-384-2121 to speak with a police dispatcher.

Instructions:

Updates will be sent via this service as more information becomes available. All residents are urged to track the movements of this storm via weather and news outlets and to take precautions as needed.