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NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The Northborough Fire Department, Police Department and Department of Public Works are "100 percent ready" for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, Fire Chief David Durgin said Friday.
"We're geared up," Durgin said. The three departments have learned many lessons from their experiences during Tropical Storm Irene and last October's snowstorm.
The National Hurricane Center predicts the storm will hit land early Tuesday, though effects from the winds may be felt as early as Sunday evening.
"I don't think anyone should panic," Durgin said. He added, however, that families should be thinking about their own emergency plans. Durgin made the following recommendations:
- Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit.
- Secure property, especially anything that could be blown away in high winds.
- Store adequate non-perishable food.
- Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep a working radio with spare batteries.
- If a power outage occurs, keep all working generators outside.
The Fire Department has requested a liaison from National Grid, Durgin said, who will work closely with the town to get power back quickly in the event of any outages.
Though he could not say whether it would be necessary to open emergency shelters, Durgin said the department would use radio, television and reverse 911 calls to keep residents informed, if necessary.
Check back with The Northborough Daily Voice for updates on the storm track and preparations.
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