FRAMINGHAM – With the potential of poor weather conditions later in the week due to snow, wind and rain from the potential storm beginning on Wednesday, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has issued information to help people prepare to travel safely. If they are able, people should try to complete their holiday travel ahead of the difficult weather conditions on Wednesday and Thursday. Those who are on the roads once the poor weather arrives should use extreme care, slow down and budget extra time for travel.
“Although the specifics of the forecast are uncertain, there is strong potential for snow, with accompanying treacherous road conditions and poor visibility,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “If possible, move your travel plans up to Tuesday, or early Wednesday before conditions deteriorate.”
· When driving, slow down. The first ½” of snow is sometimes the most slippery. Allow adequate braking distance from the car in front of you. Remember bridges and overpasses can freeze up sooner than roadways
· Yield to snowplows on the road, giving them plenty of room to safely do their job. Be patient and follow at a safe distance.
· Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts, traffic and road conditions. Consider Public Transportation.
· Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
· Make sure your automobile is set for winter driving. Install good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure. Check your antifreeze, battery, windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
· Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Keep all windows clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.
· Let others know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Allow extra time.
· Travel during daylight hours, and if possible, take another person with you.
· Be extra alert. Snowdrifts can hide children or other vehicles.
MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA’s staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector – individuals, families, non-profits and businesses – MEMA ensures the Commonwealth’s ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover.
For additional information about MEMA, go to www.mass.gov/mema. Also, follow MEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; and YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA. Massachusetts Alerts: to receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for additional information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
