City Of Woburn: Mayor Advises Preparedness Ahead Of Tropical Storm Henri's Arrival

Press release from the City of Woburn:

August 20, 2021

Mayor Scott D. Galvin is advising residents of the City to take preparedness steps for strong winds that are being forecast for Sunday, August 22nd, due to tropical storm Henri arriving in the area sometime in the morning hours. Substantial flooding is possible in areas where the ground is saturated from the heavy rains we received on Thursday. Power outages are possible along with downed trees and limbs.

Meanwhile, Mayor Galvin along with the Woburn Police Dept., Woburn Fire Dept. and the Department of Public Works are coordinating efforts to be prepared should the wind and/or rain cause problems for the City.

Although forecasters are not exactly certain of Henri’s exact path, it’s anticipated at this time that the storm will take a westerly turn and produce approximately 3-6 inches of rain more in the western part of the state, with our area receiving more wind than rainfall.

Residents are asked to bring anything in that can be picked up by the wind (lawn furniture, bicycles, umbrellas, etc.) to prevent damage or injury. Unplug all small appliances to prevent any power surge, except for your refrigeration.

Have enough food and water supply for each person in your home for 1-2 days in case of any power outages and make sure you have flashlights and extra batteries available, instead of candles and that your cell phones are fully charged. Remember individual diet needs and prescription medicines and plan for your pets as well.

The Mayor encourages all to remember to check-in on your senior neighbors to make sure they are safe.

For Businesses:

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offers the following hurricane tips for business owners:

• Review your property insurance with your insurance agent. Take photographs or make a video of your business establishment both inside and outside.
• Protect corporate records, keeping duplicates in an alternative location.
• Make plans for protection of your computer files, including an offsite backup system to secure and safely store data.
• As storm approaches, remember to bring in display racks and other objects, such as trash cans, that might cause damage if airborne. Remove outdoor signs, especially those that swing or are portable.
• Move merchandise, equipment or furniture away from windows or skylights. Elevate boxes or equipment, if possible.
• Turn off electricity and disconnect all electrical appliances and equipment (except refrigeration equipment), in case of a power outage.
• Inform all employees on when and how you will notify them to report back to work.

As always, dial 911 in case of emergency to reach Woburn Police and Woburn Fire Departments.

In case of downed wires, please stay away and contact the Woburn Police Department at 781-933-1212,

For loss of power, residents are asked to contact Eversource at 800-592-2000.

National Grid Gas: 1-888-377-5325

Comcast: Residential customers with service affected by the storm should call 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278).

Verizon: To report service-related issues, residential customers should call 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966) or online at www.verizon.com/support.

This press release was produced by the City of Woburn. The views expressed here are the author’s own.