Needham, MA: Hurricane Sandy is Almost Here…Now What?

By now, most people have prepared for Hurricane Sandy, and are now waiting for the storm to blow over. Want to check on other things you should be doing right now? FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) offers great advice.

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
• Be sure your car has a full tank of gas.
• Charge cell phones, laptops, and other electronic equipment.
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
• Avoid elevators.
• Review emergency plans with family members and make sure they all have access to the emergency supply kit.

For more information, go to the FEMA website:http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes. You can also follow FEMA on twitter: @FEMAregion1

In case of emergency for Needham residents, here are some emergency phone numbers (from the Needham, MA website):

Safety

• Any Emergency: Dial 911
• Non-Emergency Fire Dept: (781) 444-0142
• Non-Emergency Police Dept: (781) 444-1212
• LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee: (781) 455-7523 and (781) 455-7580

Health

• Needham Health Department: (781) 455-7523
• Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Campus: (781) 453-3000
• Mental Health Hotline: (781) 769-8674

Utility

• Verizon: 1 (781) 555-1611
• RCN: 1 (800) 746-4726
• Comcast: 1 (888) 633-4266
• NSTAR Gas: 1 (800) 577-9300
• NSTAR Electric: 1 (800) 592-2000

Shelter: Needham High School

Stay safe, everyone!

Ned Mahoney

Ned Mahoney has been in real estate in the Greater Boston area for over 25 years. He’s continually recognized as one of the leading realtors in New England and has won many awards for his top performing sales record. Ned offers integrity, professionalism, and solid strategies to provide his clients with excellent real estate services. Ned is with eXp Realty. Please visit Ned’s innovative website at www.nedmahoney.com

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