Northern Berkshire Emergency Planning Committee

Winter Weather Alert: Snowstorm and Arctic Cold Front Approaching

A significant winter storm is forecasted to impact our region, with snow accumulations potentially exceeding 8 inches. This will be followed by a powerful Arctic cold front, which will bring temperatures well below zero for the next few days. Please prepare now to stay safe during this weather event.

Key Weather Details:
Heavy snow expected, with accumulations of 8+ inches.
Followed by an Arctic cold front with dangerously low temperatures below zero.
Wind chill factors will make conditions even more hazardous, especially for outdoor activities.
Safety Tips and Best Practices:

For People:
Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure: Wind chills below zero can cause frostbite in minutes. If you must go outside, dress in layers, wear insulated gloves, a hat, and a scarf, and cover exposed skin.

Frostbite prevention: Watch for signs of frostbite, including numbness, tingling, or pale skin. If you suspect frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.

Check on vulnerable individuals: Ensure that elderly relatives and neighbors, as well as young children, are safe, warm, and have adequate heat and food supplies.

Limit travel: Only travel if absolutely necessary. Roads may become hazardous due to snow and ice.

For Pets:
Limit outdoor exposure: Bring pets inside whenever possible, and ensure they have a warm, dry place to sleep.

Frostbite risk for pets: Pets can suffer frostbite just like humans, particularly on ears, paws, and tails. Limit time outside to essential bathroom breaks.

Protect paws: If pets must go outside, wipe their paws after each trip to remove snow and ice, which can cause discomfort or injury.

Heating Safety:
Use safe heating sources: If you need to use a portable heater, make sure it is UL-approved and keep it at least 3 feet away from any flammable materials, including curtains, blankets, and paper.

Never use a stove or oven to heat your home: This can lead to a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure that all carbon monoxide detectors in your home are functioning properly.

Device Safety:
Keep wireless devices charged: Power outages may occur during this storm. Make sure all mobile phones, laptops, and other essential devices are fully charged ahead of time.

Have backup power: If you have access to portable chargers or a backup power source, ensure they are fully charged in case of an outage.

Stay safe and warm,

NB-REPC

Send a message to learn more

Train Incident:
Final Notice-the final update from our previous message regarding the reported train derailment in North Adams.
The responding agencies in collaboration with the employees from the railroad has inspected the train. There is no threat to the public. There is no derailment. There is a separation at one of the couplings, which caused the train to separate. Train crews are currently working to make repairs, which should be complete within the hour. Ashton Avenue will remain closed during this time.
There were no injuries during this incident, and all emergency response agencies have cleared the scene.

Thanks,

NB-REPC

Train Incident:
Please be advised that at this time Ashton Avenue is closed on both sides. Although people may have heard that there was a train derailment it has been confirmed that there is no derailment. There’s a problem with one of the connectors on the train North Adams police fire and EMS along with Williamstown police And Crews from the train are currently working to resolve the issue. Updates will be provided as necessary. please know this is not a train derailment.

Thanks,

NBREPC

Public Service Announcement: Storm Alert – Heavy Rains and Strong Winds Expected

The region is bracing for severe weather, including heavy rains and strong winds with gusts reaching 40 to 55 mph. These conditions are expected to lead to potentially lengthy power outages across the area.

National Grid has mobilized extensive resources, including their own teams, contracted services, and tree contractors, to address the impact of the storm. Community liaisons are actively engaging with local partners to ensure preparedness.

Please understand that power restoration during the storm may take time. It is unsafe for technicians to work in elevated positions during extreme weather, and restoration efforts must prioritize critical locations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and dialysis centers. We assure you that all efforts are being made to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

To help manage during power outages, we recommend the following:

Charge your wireless devices in advance.
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed as long as possible to preserve food.
If you experience an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Follow safety guidelines for using generators to avoid hazards.

We understand the difficulties that power outages can cause, especially when access to information is limited. The safety of our residents is a top priority, and we are committed to keeping you informed as conditions evolve. For more storm preparedness tips, visit www.ready.gov.

Stay safe, and we will continue to provide updates as the storm progresses.

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The NB-REPC, MEMA, and numerous other agencies will be conducting an exercise today at the North Adams Police Department. It can be expected that numerous law enforcement, and other emergency service vehicles will be parked at the St. Anthony's parking lot today from 7:30am-1:30pm.
We appreciate the opportunity to work and train with our local, regional, and statewide emergency response partners to better prepare our community in the event of an incident.
We will provide updated information about the exercise later today.

Send a message to learn more

NB-REPC Agenda for September 26, 2024

The Northern Berkshire REPC is coordinating with local emergency response agencies and National Grid. We understand that many individuals are still without power and want to provide the following community updates as of 3:30 PM:

Clarksburg: 726 affected, with an estimated restoration time of 4:00 PM
Williamstown: 800 affected, with an estimated restoration time of 7:00 AM
North Adams: 57 affected, with an estimated restoration time of 4:00 PM
We recognize the impact of this event and appreciate your patience as National Grid and additional contractors work to restore power. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or have urgent issues with your home oxygen, please call 9-1-1. If you currently have oxygen and suspect you may need services, please contact your provider for assistance.

The area is also expected to be impacted by additional storms this evening, followed by a decrease in humidity and cooler temperatures.

Thank you again for your patience. We will provide additional updates as necessary and encourage everyone to check on their friends, family, and pets.

Respectfully,

Northern Berkshire Emergency Management Team

Today, let's embrace the joy of the Adams Street Fair with this dynamic duo! 🎉🌞✨ Looking forward to making unforgettable memories in the amazing Town of Adams!

Wilco Weekend:
Good Day, I can already feel the energy as I navigated North Adams this morning as the streets are getting busy, people are walking for coffee at the Pop-Up Spot, and city employees are prepping for a wonderful weekend.
I know, I know, I know, this is not for everyone, and some hibernate, relocate, and struggle with the influx of entertainment, visitors, and non-existent parking spots. This too shall pass!
In the spirit of being a great host city for the thousands that come to escape the daily roles and responsibilities of wherever they may reside, lets welcome them with smiles, kindness, and patience. Give directions if needed, be calm in line at the grocery store, restaurant, or coffee shop, be super light on the gas pedals, and slightly better about using those brakes. Be alert to foot traffic, and people in crosswalks, along with many brake lights as navigation will be slower than normal.
To our surrounding communities, you will also feel the impact of traffic and people. Thank you for supporting and also welcoming them. I truly enjoy this group, these events, the remarkable friends that I have met over the years, and the benefit that many businesses and individuals share.
On behalf of the NB-REPC we hope for a safe, well-planned, and enjoyable event.

Be safe,

Amalio Jusino
NB-REPC Chairman

NB-REPC is participating in Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) WebEOC and ArcGIS Damage Assessment form Statewide Webinar/Exercise.

This no cost training is available to all Emergency Managers and is critical in creating and maintaining collaboration with your local, regional and state partners in the event of a critical incident in your community.

This ArcGIS is imperative and should be the standard for every incident in any community. Can't say enough about the value of it!

Due to many businesses being closed today, The Town of Adams Emergency Management and Town of Adams Forest Warden Department have opened the Adams Visitor Center as a cooling center today from 12:00pm-5:00pm.

Residents are welcome to come sit and enjoy some relief from the heat during this time. Cold water is available for those while they are here. No food or overnight services are available, as the center will be closing at 5:00pm.

Thank you

The Massachusetts 911 system has been restored. The public may now resume calling 911 for emergencies.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

The Massachusetts State 911 Department continues to investigate the cause of the disruption.

Original Message:
9-1-1 Service Disruption:

Across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 9-1-1 services are not functioning. However, all other cellular and landline phones are working properly.

It is recommended that you look-up your local public safety business number and utilize that number in the event of an emergency. Below are the direct numbers for the Northern Berkshire REPC Communities.

Williamstown: 413-458-5733

North Adams/Clarksburg: Police, Fire, EMS
413-664-4944 x 1
413-664-4945 x 1
413-663-3313

Berkshire Sheriff's Control: 413-442-0512
Northern Berkshire-New Ashford, Florida, Adams, Savoy, Cheshire: Emergency Services.

Please do not use these numbers for non-emergency purposes, such as inquiring about the outage. These lines need to remain open for emergencies, and individuals are working diligently to correct this issue.

We thank you for your patience and will provide an update when services are restored.

Thank You,

Amalio Jusino
NB-REPC Chairman

Great morning with our community response and planning partners attending the National Grid Emergency Preparedness Meeting.

Marathon Event:
The Rail Trail will be busy today with a Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K beginning in Pittsfield and traveling through to Adams.
Individuals will expect delays at intersections along the route as runners cross each location. There are Officers assigned to assist. Although we are hoping not, additional emergency medical personnel may be needed in the event of an emergency. As a result you may see prearranged equipment and additional activity throughout Pittsfield, Lanesboro, Cheshire and Adams.
We thank everyone for your patience as response agencies support the runners to make this an enjoyable safe event.

Thank you,

NB-REPC

North Adams Road Closure: River Street between Harris and Houghton Streets are closed this morning due to a motor vehicle crash resulting in utility work needing to be done.
Please avoid the area if possible. If traveling in the area, please reduce your speed and be alert as numerous construction crews are working in and around the area on multiple projects.
Thank you for your cooperation and we will update when the road is opened.

Weather Event:
The region is expected to be impacted by a powerful multi-system storm beginning this afternoon through early tomorrow morning. Be nice, and before you flood this post with "they haven't been correct all year, ok, 2 years", please understand that I'm just the messenger. HAHA

The US National Weather Service Albany NY has issued:

High Wind Warning: Throughout the evening into the morning. This means that strong winds of 30-40mph will occur with gusts up to 60mph. Trees will break, wires will come down, and widespread power outages are all expected with this weather.

Flood Watch: This evening throughout tomorrow afternoon. Rain, and runoff from snow melt will result in flooding of rivers, creeks, stream and other low-lying areas.

Winter Weather Advisory: In effect until midnight tonight. 2-5 inches of wet snow and ice accumulations, with wind gusts to 60mph.

The time to prepare is now! Consider preparation for yourself, your family, your pets, and be a good neighbor.
1. If able, stay home, charge your electronic devices, have non-perishable food in the event of a power outage, and bring your pets in.
2. If you must travel, have a winter safety kit in your vehicle with a blanket, gloves, hat, energy bars, water, and shovel with salt/sand.
3. Drink plenty of fluids, dress warm, wear layers, and share your travel plans.
4. Make sure smoke and CO alarms have batteries.
5. If using secondary heating, please be sure to follow all manufactures recommendations and keep all items away from heating sources.
6. If using generators, please use outdoors and away from windows.
7. If wires are down, treat as live, stay away and call 9-1-1.
8. Be sure to fill your gas tanks today if you are out and expecting to travel.
9. If there is a power loss, unplug all appliances, equipment or electronics to avoid surge spikes that are potentially damaging.
10. Don't venture into flood waters: Turn Around, Don't Drown!

The NB-REPC continues to monitor this storm, and prepare with local and State Emergency Management Officials. Updates will be provided if necessary.

Be safe, be prepared, and enjoy this wonderful time to stay home and relax.

www.ready.gov

Thank you,
NBREPC

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