Walpole Officials Prepping for Hurricane Sandy

Officials in Walpole have been working hard in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.

Walpole Town Administrator Michael Boynton is warning residents to be prepared for the storm and to pay attention to news outlets to stay informed.

He asks that residents help to clear catch basins from leaves a debris in order to curb any flooding that may happen.

Boynton says that the town is ready for the storm and they are waiting to find out more about the timing of the hurricane.

Here is an update from Boynton issued to residents of the town.

Dear Walpole Resident,

As you are aware, Walpole and all Massachusetts Communities are actively preparing for the approach and arrival of Hurricane Sandy. Walpole residents and businesses are asked and urged to pay close attention to weather forecasts and news reports regarding this large and potentially dangerous storm as it approaches our area. Please make any and all necessary preparations as soon as possible as conditions will deteriorate as we move through late Sunday and into Monday and likely Tuesday. While the exact track and speed of the storm and its arrival are still not clear, what is very clear is that we will most certainly be impacted with a variety of high winds, heavy rain, and hazardous conditions. Power outages and flooding situations are of great concern at this time.

Walpole’s Emergency Team has been preparing for this storm since Wednesday. Equipment and supplies are set to be deployed, and staff are closely monitoring the storm’s progress, and are in communication with state emergency agencies as well as local utilities to provide a timely response here in Walpole. If conditions so demand, we are prepared to activate our Emergency Operations Center here at Town Hall.

If so needed, a shelter setting has been arranged at the Walpole Senior Center, here at Town Hall. In the event that additional space is required, larger locations have been identified and will be utilized. Transportation to the shelter will be available upon request. We are also preparing to accommodate residents who may need technology support, such as internet access, during post-storm power outages.

We also ask for your assistance both before AND as this storm moves into the area. Over the next few days, we ask for your help in clearing all catch basins and storm drains in the streets around your homes. DPW crews have been working at this task, however any help that residents can provide will be very beneficial for you and your neighbors. Please also check on neighbors who are elderly or disabled who may need some assistance. And, when the storm arrives, please use extreme care when outside, and to the greatest extent possible please avoid driving in hazardous conditions.

Questions concerning this storm preparation or shelter operations at this time can be directed to Police Dispatch at 668-1212. If conditions require the activation of our Emergency Operations Center, we will make a dedicated EOC line available for these and all storm inquiries.

Please also note that we have met with NSTAR representatives and have established a line of communication with the Utility in the event of power outages.
Some have already questioned both Walpole and State officials about Halloween "trick-or- treating" on Wednesday evening. Our message to parents is clear that each family should consider all safety needs and storm conditions as they make their individual decision.

Thank you and please be safe.

Sincerely,
Michael E. Boynton Town Administrator