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EMERGENCY PLANNING > REPC Featured > Media Alert 005: Three Regional Emergency Shelters Remain Open, Public asked to check on neighbors 

Media Alert 005: Three Regional Emergency Shelters Remain Open, Public asked to check on neighbors 

Published on: January 30, 2022

 Media Alert 005 

BCREPC Continues to Lead the Regional Response to Nor’Easter

January 29, 2022 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) met at 4:00 PM on Saturday afternoon to share information on current response to the nor’easter.

 CURRENT/ANTICIPATED CONDITIONS 

  • Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 5:00 AM on Sunday for coastal Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard
  • Peak storm activity occurred between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, however the storm is moving out slowly, and 60-65 mph wind gusts are likely to continue for several hours
  • Estimated snow totals are difficult to measure for the entire Cape due to snow drifts, however the Upper Cape has accumulated roughly 12” – 14” 
  • Travel remains extremely difficult; residents are asked to stay home and shelter in place
  • Coastal Flood Warning has now been reduced to a Coastal Flood Advisory
  • Overnight, wind gusts should reduce to 50 mph, decreasing further in the morning to 30-40 mph and allowing for power restoration to accelerate
  • Temperatures still expected to be in the teens on Sunday morning.

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, the MACC has been assisting towns and local agencies with resources, information, and regional coordination. Representatives from utilities, communications, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are working closely with the MACC throughout the storm event.  

UTILITIES | COMMUNICATIONS  

Crews for all utilities continue to actively work in the field monitoring storm-related damage and make restoration plans as safety allows.

As of 4:30 PM, there are an estimated 84,000 homes on Cape Cod without power.  Cape Cod Hospital is running on full generator power.  Many trees and wires are reported down across the region. Eversource crews are working in the field but are limited due to high winds preventing the use of buckets. As the wind decreases, crews will be able to work with this equipment. Crews from other areas in Massachusetts will be arriving later tonight, and crews from Connecticut and New Hampshire will be arriving tomorrow morning to assist. 

Please continue to report power outages to Eversource at 800-592-2000.

National Grid reports that 40-45% of Nantucket is currently without power.  Additional crews are being sent to the islands tomorrow morning if the ferries are running.

Report power outages to National Grid at 800-548-8000.

Verizon’s central offices are running on generator power and no major failures have been reported. 

OpenCape is currently diagnosing issues on the OuterCape. Most issues are related to power outages.

(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 those seeking shelter at one of the open regional shelters should 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. 

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 American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and MEMA are working on sourcing supplementary food products in the event numbers increase at the Shelters later tonight and tomorrow. As of 4:30 PM, shelter volume remains under 6 individuals per location.

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. 

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

IMPORTANT: The public is asked to check on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may need assistance. 

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 URGED TO STAY INDOORS AND STAY OFF ROADS 

The public is strongly encouraged to stay home and remain off the 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.   

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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