Town Watching, Waiting For Earl

Marblehead Emergency Management is watching Hurricane Earl closely and say they will have emergency plans in place should the storm get too close for comfort.

As of Wednesday night the hurricane was 1,230 miles away from Marblehead and considered a category 4 storm with winds  ove 125 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

The hurricane is expected to sideswipe North Carolina before moving to New England on a forecasted northward offshore path during the day Friday. The hurricane should be gone by Saturday morning, officials are predicting.

"We have had conference calls every day since Monday with MEMA," Lt. Charles Cerrutti, the director of emergency management in Marblehead, said. "The state has been getting ready."

Wednesday morning, Massachusetts Emergency Management sent out a press release to remind residents of the dangers hurricanes can pose.

"Every home and business should have a stocked basic emergency supply kit that could be used for any emergency, regardless of the time of year," MEMA acting Director Kurt Schwartz said in a statement. "Everyone should keep certain items around the house and workplace in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power."

MEMA recommends having  a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a supply of non-perishable foods, along with bottled water, a first aid kit, extra prescription medication, and extra food and supplies for infants and pets.

"All families should develop a 'Family Emergency Communication Plan' with an 'outside the area' contact to help ensure everyone is safe. You should reach out to your local authorities to learn about your community's potential evacuation routes and the location of possible emergency shelters," said Schwartz. "It is always important to familiarize yourself with your Community's Emergency Plans before an emergency situation occurs."

While it's expected the Cape and Islands will bear the brunt of the storm, wind gusts and rains are forecast on the North Shore.

"It's still far off so it's tough to be accurate," Cerrutti said, noting they are constantly watching and waiting to hear if the storm will have more impacts than originally expected.

Cerrutti said in his travels along the North Shore this week, he has already seen an increase in the surf. 

"Gloucester had problems Tuesday with a drowning," he said. "We will have to wait and see if we get big waves."

Cerrutti said depending on what the state mandates, he will mobilize police, fire and the DPW depending on the situation.

Emergency Management does have sandbags ready to be filled should they be needed.

"We can fill them and get them to people if needed," he said.