For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Release*

Randolph Police and Fire Urge Safety During Coming Snowstorm, Extreme Cold

RANDOLPH — Police Chief William Pace and Fire Chief Richard Donovan are urging all Randolph residents to take precautions to stay safe during the coming snowstorm and frigid temperatures to follow.

A Winter Storm Warning and hazardous weather outlook is in effect for Randolph at this time, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The National Weather Service predicts that the storm is expected to begin around 4 a.m. Thursday morning and end sometime in the evening.

The following is what NWS is anticipating for Randolph during and after the snowstorm:

• The region could see as much as 14 inches of snow.
• Wind gusts may reach as high as 49 mph and carry with it a windchill factor of 3 below zero.
• Driving conditions will likely be very poor. Significant reductions in visibility are possible with near white-out conditions for a time Thursday.
• Damage to trees and power lines is possible. Power outages may occur.
• Friday will likely see a high temperature of 13 degrees and a low of 4 below zero. Saturday could be even colder with a high of 7 degrees and low of 9 below zero.

WEATHERING THE STORM

The Police and Fire stations will be open throughout the storm. If you have an emergency, call 911. You can also reach the Randolph Police at 781-963-1212 and Randolph Fire Department at 781-963-3131.

Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. Give plow and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.

Fully charge your cell phone, laptop and any other devices before the storm.

If you lose power during the storm, National Grid offers an outage map. To report the loss of electricity, call 800-592-2000 .

If you believe there is a gas leak in your home or nearby, call 911.

Anyone with a disability or medical issue is encouraged to call Randolph Police ahead of time to request a well-being check during the storm.

COLD CONTINUES ON

With this type of weather, frostbite and hypothermia are possible for those without proper protection from the cold. To stay safe, the Randolph police and fire departments ask that residents follow these tips from the MEMA:

Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.

If outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety

• When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, coal stove or space heater, make sure they are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.
• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

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