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EMERGENCY PLANNING > REPC Featured > Media Alert 004: BCREPC Responds to Weekend Nor’easter

Media Alert 004: BCREPC Responds to Weekend Nor’easter

Published on: January 29, 2022

 

Media Alert 004:

Three Regional Emergency Shelters are Open

January 29, 2022 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) met at 10: 00 AM on Friday morning to share information on current response to the weather event.

CURRENT CONDITIONS REMAIN CONSISTENT WITH FORECAST

  • Blizzard Warning is underway for coastal Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard
  • Peak storm activity occurring between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM bringing 3-4 inches of snowfall per hour at times
  • Winds continue to be intense with gusts up to 80 MPH reported
  • Snow consistency has been heavier/wetter than expected
  • Snow may get drier in the afternoon
  • Coastal Flood Advisory issued earlier this morning, expires midnight tonight
  • Cold temperatures still expected to be in the teens on Sunday

CURRENT STORM RESPONSE

BARNSTABLE COUNTY MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION CENTER (MACC) STATUS The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) activated at 11:00 PM Friday night. Throughout the storm event, MACC will be assisting towns and local agencies with resources, information, and regional coordination during and post-storm. Representatives from utilities, communications, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are working closely with the MACC throughout the storm event.

UTILITIES | COMMUNICATIONS
Many trees and wires are reported down across the region. Currently there are an estimated 61,242 homes on Cape Cod without power. Eversource typically releases the Global Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) within 24-48 hours, followed by town specific ETR’s.

Please report power outages to Eversource by calling 800-592-2000 or National Grid at 800-548-8000.

Crews for all utilities have been dispatched and are actively working in the field monitoring storm-related damage and making restoration plans as safety allows.

(3) SHELTERS ARE OPEN

Three shelters opened at 6:00 AM today:

  • Barnstable Intermediate School – 895 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis 02601
  • Nauset High School – 100 Cable Rd., Eastham 02642
  • Falmouth High School – 874 Gifford St., Falmouth 02540

All citizens seeking shelter at one of the open regional shelters, please exercise extreme caution while road conditions remain hazardous. Members of the public are advised to shelter in place, if able, until the wind and snow ease in the late afternoon/evening.

Shelters are staffed by 24 AmeriCorps Cape Cod Members, Members of Regional CERT Teams, and the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps. All three locations have emergency food available, provided by the Salvation Army.

The remaining shelters at Dennis-Yarmouth High School, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, and Nantucket High School are on standby. Check OPEN/CLOSED status of shelters at https://www.bcrepc.org/ 

The BCREPC wants to emphasize that during shelter operation, COVID-19 remains a significant concern. Residents and visitors should reach out to family and friends first and access shelters only when other options are not available. Likewise, the public is asked to check on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may need assistance.

Masks are required at emergency shelters. People are encouraged to bring their own, but masks will also be available for anyone who needs them.

The Tribal Headquarters in Mashpee will be open for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Members to shelter.

Anyone who must utilize a shelter should bring at least three days of essentials, including all medications.

Shelters can accommodate people who use an oxygen breathing apparatus.

Those bringing infants or toddlers to the shelters should also bring formula, food, diapers, wipes, changes of clothing, toys, and a “pack ‘n play” or portable crib and bedding.

Pets are accepted at all regional shelters. Please bring all your pet supplies to the shelter except for crates, which are provided by the shelter. You cannot sleep with your pet(s).

PUBLIC URGED TO STAY INDOORS AND STAY OFF ROADS

About Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee: The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) is a coalition of law enforcement, fire service, health care, public health, public works, EMS, military, and numerous other affiliated agencies as outlined by the Massachusetts State Emergency Response Committee (SERC). It represents the towns of Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth in Barnstable County, and the town of Nantucket in Nantucket County. The mission of the BCREPC is to harness the power of planning, cooperation, and interoperability to assist Cape Cod communities in mitigating the threat from any hazard which may require the response of multiple jurisdictions.

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