Holliston Makes Final Preparations for Irene

With Hurricane Irene taking an uncertain but menacing course up the East Coast, Holliston residents and officials prepared Friday for a weekend of foul and potentially destructive weather.

According to , steps taken by the town included inspections of all emergency apparatus and equipment to ensure everything is ready for immediate deployment.

He and other public safety officials were also taking part in frequent conference calls with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service and the town’s Dam Safety Officer has checked all dams and spillways, and provided guidance to minimize flooding potential.  

The also cleared culverts and catch basins to minimize street flooding.

Though there are no plans to add staff coverage or open shelters at this time, that could change as the storm gets closer. “Emergency management personnel have been in touch with the school district, to confirm the availability of one of the designated Mass Care Shelters if necessary,” Cassidy said. “We’re closely monitoring the forecast models and are in touch with local, state and federal agencies.”

said he has been consulting with emergency officials and other area school leaders about contingency plans should the storm strike hard. He said if Irene causes the cancellation of the pre-opening day on Monday, Aug. 29, which features a talk to teachers and a parents breakfast, school will open on Tuesday as planned and the pre-opening day rescheduled to a later time.

“I know some schools are thinking of pushing back their actual opening day for students, but right now I’m not even considering that,” Jackson said. “We are ready and we will open on Tuesday unless the governor tells me otherwise.”

Cassidy advised residents to prepare for the storm as any other natural or man-made disaster and passed on guidance from MEMA, that includes:

-  Having a basic emergency supply kit that includes a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries and supplies of food and water
- Putting a communication plan in place so all family members can be confirmed safe.
- Having a “go-kit” ready in case emergency evacuations become necessary.

The state fire marshal’s office also put out a reminder warning of the danger of carbon monoxide poisining in the event of power outages. The warning including not using propane and gas grills indoors and making sure that generators are kept outdoors and away from windows and doors.

The latest advisories from the National Weather Service suggested tropical storm force winds and heavy rains would likely lash Holliston starting early Sunday.