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EMERGENCY PLANNING > REPC Situational Reports > Media Alert 006:  Important Regional Emergency Shelter Status Updates

Media Alert 006:  Important Regional Emergency Shelter Status Updates

Published on: January 30, 2022

BCREPC Focuses on Power Restoration Efforts Post-Storm

Regional emergency shelter status updates provided

January 30, 2022 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) met at 10:00 AM on Sunday morning to share information on post-storm regional response to yesterday’s nor-easter.

CURRENT WEATHER 

  • Clear with cold temperatures in low to mid 20’s through Monday
  • Road conditions remain hazardous and icy; some areas difficult to access

BARNSTABLE COUNTY MULTI-AGENCY COORDINATION CENTER (MACC) STATUS

The Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) continues to respond to resource requests as needed and is working with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to source additional resources, such as plow vehicles and front loaders.

UTILITIES | COMMUNICATIONS  

As of this afternoon an estimated 38,000 homes on Cape Cod remain without power.  There are currently 1,000+ Eversource crews working to help restore power in the region, with public safety crews working closely with towns to clean up hazardous road conditions. A global estimated time of restoration (ETR) is set for 11:59 PM on Monday. Global restoration is achieved when 99% of an affected region has been restored. EverSource cautions the public to remain aware of utility trucks working out on the roads, and to keep children and pets safe, who may be difficult to see.  Please continue to report power outages to Eversource at 800-592-2000.

National Grid has secured additional crews on Nantucket this morning and power restoration is expected within the next 24 hours.  Report power outages to National Grid at 800-548-8000.

Verizon is not reporting any capacity issues.

OpenCape reports sporadic capacity issues, particularly in Harwich and Chatham, correlating to power outages.

Comcast is reporting a few capacity issues, all related to power outages

SHELTER STATUS UPDATE

Three shelters opened at 6:00 AM on Saturday:  

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

As of 1pm on Sunday, the Falmouth High School shelter is closed. The Nauset High School shelter is anticipated to close by 3pm on Sunday afternoon. Sheltering operations are being condensed to one site, Barnstable Intermediate School, which will remain activated until further notice. The decision to close the Falmouth and Eastham shelters was made due to a combination of low turnout of shelter attendees and progress of power restoration efforts.

Shelter staff have been working with Eversource to monitor the power restoration status of each shelter attendee’s home.\

Warming Stations are being offered today by some towns.  A current list is available on www.bcrepc.orgor on BCREPC social media.  The public is asked to check on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may need assistance getting to a shelter or warming station.

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 basic emergency food available, provided by the Salvation Army.

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

DECIDING WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO A SHELTER 

  • Masks are required at all emergency shelters. People are encouraged to bring their own, but masks will also be available for anyone who needs them.
  • Anyone who must utilize a shelter should bring at least three days of essentials, including all medications. 
  • Personal comfort items, such as blankets and pillows, are provided.
  • 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).
  • It is recommended that individuals going to a shelter bring any items that will make your stay more comfortable.

PUBLIC ENCOURAGED TO STAY OFF THE ROAD

Crews are still working to clear the roads and ask the public to stay off the road so that XXXX Priority for road clean-up is being given to ensure access to police, fire, hospitals and long-term care facilities.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS | BCREPC Public Information Officers:  

Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager Sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov

(508) 375-6896   | Bethany Traverse, Health Communications Coordinator bethany.traverse@capecod.gov  (508) 375-6844

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