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Barnstable County REPC outlines approach to weekend storm

The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) held a conference call at 4 p.m. Friday to discuss the significant winter storm predicted to hit Cape Cod over the Saturday/Sunday time frame. The latest forecast indicates the storm will produce high winds and a considerable amount of blowing and drifting snow. It should be of a shorter duration than the recent January blizzard.

During the call, emergency planners outlined the approach for the Regional Shelter System. The decision on whether or not to activate the Regional Shelter System will be made at noon on Sunday, February 15.

BCREPC planners will coordinate with Eversource, formerly NStar, to assess the number of power outages and the projected restoration time. If the outage numbers are large and the restoration time is projected to extend overnight, the shelter system will be activated with a Sunday evening opening. If the outages are not extensive and the projected restoration does not extend overnight, then the shelter system will not be activated.

In the event the shelter system is not activated, individual towns will have the option to open warming centers to assist residents as needed.

Please note that any change in the timing, intensity, track, and potential impacts of the storm could affect the planning timeline.

The BCREPC has asked all its Regional Shelter System partners to remain on alert and be prepared for the possibility of shelter activation on Sunday. The BCREPC advises the citizens of Barnstable County to remain “weather aware” and to be prepared for winter storm conditions followed by bitterly cold temperatures.

For information about preparedness visit the Barnstable County REPC website at www.bcrepc.org

Follow the BCREPC on Twitter @bcrepc.

Additional information on preparedness is available from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at www.mass.gov/mema or the FEMA website at www.ready.gov or call 2-1-1. For specific local information, citizens should contact the emergency management office in their town.