Mayor Urges Residents to Prepare for Sandy, Sets Up Storm Info Hotline

In light of Hurricane Sandy bearing down on New England, city officials are also encouraging residents to take safety precautions to minimize any potential storm damage.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt met Friday morning with the city’s emergency preparedness team to review storm preparation and emergency response measures.

He also announced the city will have a storm information hotline residents can call for important updates.

The hotline number is 978-538-5758, or residents can also dial the mayor's office at 978-538-5700.

Sandy is currently a category 1 hurricane rolling up the Atlantic and is expected to turn northwest Sunday afternoon. Impact on New England from the storm is expected by Sunday night and could linger until Wednesday.

There may be coastal flooding, severe beach erosion, damaging winds, widespread power outages, and possibly 5 inches or more of rain.

“Early planning and preparation can make all the difference in terms of protecting lives and property,” Bettencourt said. “Residents should take the recommended safety precautions well in advance of the storm reaching our area.”

Bettencourt encouraged residents to heed the preparation steps recommended by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), particularly on having a well-stocked Family Disaster Kit.