Preparing for the Latest Nor’easter

snow covered road in MA with low power wiresA third nor’easter in less than two weeks is expected to hit the east coast tonight and into tomorrow, leaving the coast vulnerable to high winds with gusts up to 60 mph and minimal visibility. Prepare your home and family for the latest storm by following these safety tips before and during the nor’easter.

Before the Storm Hits

Make sure you have a family emergency plan in place, with specific jobs in place for each member and agreed-on meeting places. Each member of your family should have an emergency bag packed and ready to go in case of an emergency evacuation. This bag should contain a few days’ worth of clothing, necessary medications, a book or game for entertainment, a flashlight and extra batteries. Your family should also have an emergency medical kit packed in case of an injury, with ibuprofen, bandages, disinfectant, detailed lists of everyone’s medical history and materials for a splint. Make sure you have changed the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors around your home and that each device is fully functional. Test them before the storm begins by following the directions listed in the user manual. If you have recently purchased a generator, make sure you are aware of how to use it safely. Make sure your car’s gas tank is full. If gas stations lose power, you may not be able to fill up your car for several days.

During the Storm

As the snow falls, make sure you have a set method of receiving official communications from state and town officials about storm status, emergency evacuations, flooding and power outages. This can be done with a transistor radio, through text message alerts or online. Keep portable devices charged for as long as possible to maintain communications in case of an outage. If you live in a flood zone, move items from your basement to prevent damage. Continue checking your basement for potential flooding through the duration of the storm and your sump pump for any malfunctions.

Emergency Response in Revere, Lynn, & the North Shore, MA

If you experience an emergency during a storm, contact Boston Board Up Services. Our team will go to your home or business and board up your windows and stabilize the structure. After the storm is over, we will also provide a quote for reconstruction so you can return safely. Boston Board Up Services can be reached 24 hours per day by calling 800-949-9113 or by filling out our online contact form.