Prepare For Nor’easter: Officials Share Safety Advice

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - A powerful nor'easter tracking up the coast toward New England is serving as an early seasonal reminder for residents to prepare for severe weather.

Wind advisory issued as weekend storm targets western Massachusetts

Although western Massachusetts is not expected to receive the worst impact from this storm, public safety officials are advising the public to review emergency preparedness procedures.

As fall progresses into winter, severe coastal storms bringing strong winds, heavy rain and potential snowfall become increasingly common across the region. Officials recommend taking proactive steps now to prepare homes, gather emergency supplies and review home safety practices before power outages occur.

Massachusetts Fire Marshal John Davine urged residents to secure their property before high winds arrive. “Make sure all your devices are charged, take down things in your yard, lawn furniture, stuff like that, that can become a projectile in these high winds,” Davine said. “Make sure your house is ready to go, make sure your property is ready to go.”

Emergency officials also suggest assembling a portable emergency kit in case evacuation becomes necessary. An emergency preparedness official emphasized the importance of gathering crucial personal items. “You want to make sure you have your medications or a list of your medications, stuff like that, important documents,” the official said. Additional recommended emergency kit items include a flashlight, extra batteries, a blanket and a first aid kit.

Power outages are common during coastal storms that bring heavy wind, rain and snow. Connecticut State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert highlighted precautions for residents who plan to use backup power generators. “If you are starting a generator outside, you want to make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations to keep them away from windows and doors,” Volkert said. Official guidelines recommend placing generators at least 20 feet away from any structure, with the exhaust facing away from doors, windows and vents.

Volkert also reminded homeowners to verify that safety devices remain fully functional during an outage. “Make sure you've got fresh batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon-monoxide alarms, because those batteries will make sure those are working, particularly if you don't have power,” Volkert said.

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