At 8:00 A.M. this morning members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee met to discuss the possible implications that the upcoming winter storm will have on the Town of Wayland. The Department of Public Works has plow crews ready and all aspects of public safety ( police, fire, dispatch) have added staffing for this event. A Swiftreach 911 message was sent to all registered Wayland residents this morning. The LEPC makes the following requests to the community:
1. There is a winter storm parking ban in effect. It is imperative that all vehicles be removed from the street so that the snow plows can do their job to keep our streets open. If vehicles are left on the street, they may be towed at the owner’s expense.
2. There is a possibility of widespread power outages with this storm. If you lose power, please contact NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000. During storm events, the public safety dispatching operations become strained and calls to dispatch to report power outages tie up the lines. If you lose power, expect that it will be out for at least the duration of the storm as the utility crews will not be able to work during this storm due to the high winds.
3. Prepare for an outage by making sure that: you have flashlights, your cellphone and other mobile data equipment is charged, you have properly installed and vented generator equipment.
4. Do not go on the roads during the storm unless it is an emergency. Travel will be nearly impossible due to blowing snow and visibility will be poor. Pedestrians should also remain off the roads as snowplows will have a difficult time seeing them due to the conditions.
5. Please check in on any elderly or disabled neighbors to be sure they are OK.
The Wayland Emergency Shelter will be opened if it is deemed necessary. The decision to open the shelter will be based on the extent of any power outages and the need to provide a warm place for residents to go. The Wayland Emergency Shelter is located at the Wayland Middle School on Main Street and is staffed by volunteers of the Citizens Emergency Response Team and the Medical Reserve Corps.
Future updates will be provided as needed.
More information regarding winter storm preparedness can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/
— Chief Irving
