January 28, 2022 submitted by The Town of Hingham (Image courtesy National Weather Service)
Town Administrator Tom Mayo would like to share the following safety precautions ahead of this weekend’s expected storm.
At this time, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Warning for Plymouth County, including the Town of Hingham, for Saturday, Jan. 29. Snow accumulations of as many as 24-30 inches or more are possible, with wind gusts potentially approaching 60 miles per hour.
Travel conditions are expected to be very difficult to impossible, and strong winds could cause tree and property damage. Strong winds may also lead to power outages.
Visit weather.gov to see the forecast for the region as the storm approaches. Residents are reminded that the forecast can change quickly and at any point, and they should monitor the local forecast throughout the coming days.
"This weekend will likely bring extremely dangerous snow accumulations and wind gusts to the region, and it is important that our residents are aware of the following safety precautions that can be taken before, during and after the storm," said Hingham Fire Chief/Director of Emergency Management Steve Murphy. "The Town has been in constant contact with internal department heads as well as our regional partners to best prepare for any situation that may arise as a result of this significant weather event."
The Town of Hingham wishes to share with residents the following winter weather safety tips and other important information:
For Town Residents
- Residents are asked to call 781-804-2292 for information on the storm, as well as the state 211 number for information on regional shelters and warming stations. This information will be updated throughout the storm.
- Town staff will be working and available throughout the day today to prepare for the storm, as well as this weekend during and after the storm. Town officials and emergency management personnel have held multiple meetings leading up to the storm to best prepare for all possible situations.
- At this time, concerns over potential coastal flooding, heavy snowfall, high winds and power outages are all being addressed.
- The Town will be reaching out to vulnerable populations throughout the day Friday and the weekend, including elderly residents, with the assistance of Elder Services.
- Through conversations with MEMA and neighboring communities, plans are being made for regional shelters for residents and additional information will be shared when it is available.
- Residents are reminded to call 911 in the case of an emergency or if they require immediate assistance.
- The Regional COVID test clinic located in Town at 335 Lincoln St. will be closed on Saturday. The vendor will be contacting those who had appointments for that day.
Reminders from DPW
- Residents are urged to avoid travel during the storm whenever possible, both for their own safety and to allow public safety and DPW personnel the ability to best do their jobs.
- Residents are asked to remove all objects, such as basketball hoops, from the areas plowed by the town, including streets and sidewalks.
- Residents are asked to keep all vehicles off streets that are plowed by the Town to expedite snowplowing and sanding operations. Vehicles obstructing plowing and sanding operations will be towed at the owner's expense.
- No resident or private contractor may shovel, snow-blow, or plow ice or snow onto a public roadway or fire hydrants. See the Plowing of Public Roads page for more details.
- The DPW is responsible for clearing snow from 140 miles of roadway in Town. Plows will work as efficiently as possible to keep roads clear throughout the storm. Once the storm has passed, crews will work to push back snow and snow banks.
- Roads are the main priority during the storm. Sidewalks will get done, from the schools out, once roads have been cleared and time permits. Sidewalk clearing is expected to take an extended amount of time.
- Snow operations are expected to continue through Sunday.
- The Transfer Station will do their best to stay open as conditions allow. Any updates will be posted on the Town website.
- The Town is not responsible for damaged mailboxes, driveway aprons, walkways, stone walls, grassed areas, shrubs, trees, fences, planters, barrels, basketball hoops, or any other object within areas plowed by the town.
Safety Reminders
The Town would like to provide residents with the following safety information and tips relating to winter storms:
Before a Winter Storm
- Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
- Be sure you have ample heating fuel. If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
- Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space.
- Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow.
During a Winter Storm
- Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.
- Bring your companion animals inside before the storm begins. Move other animals to sheltered areas with a supply of non-frozen water. Most animal deaths in winter storms are caused by dehydration.
- Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the following tips on food and water safety during power outages and floods.
After a Winter Storm
- Stay informed and pay attention to the information provided by local authorities.
- Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Black ice is patchy ice on roadways that cannot easily be seen. Even if roadways have been cleared of snow following a storm, any water left on the roadways may freeze, resulting in a clear sheet of ice, also known as black ice.
- Residents are also asked to assist firefighters by clearing snow away from fire hydrants during and after the storm. Snow should be cleared 3-5 feet all around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to connect a hose.