Residents are noticing some differences with the town’s emergency alert system today, just as a major snowstorm is set to arrive Sunday.
The town’s emergency alert company Code Red was hacked a few months ago and its database was wiped out, Select Board Chair Dan Fox told the Current on Saturday.
Code Red, which recently rebranded to Crisis 24, according to Fox, said it had rebuilt about 80% of its database. It is using different messaging, and calls now come from the 206 area code.
Fox said the town is in the process of looking for a new emergency alert system. It is also planning to install emergency blue lights at some intersections in town.
Fox urges residents to follow the town’s social media pages and website at marbleheadma.gov for updates during the storm.
Meanwhile, Marblehead Light Department crews are on alert in case the storm brings power outages.
“The biggest concern is the volume and duration of snow, which will make our response to any potential outages more challenging, with respect to travel and access,” Light Department General Manager Jon Blair said Saturday. “The parking ban will help the DPW to keep the roads passable, and we’ll be ready to dispatch crews if issues arise.”
The storm could dump 18-24 inches of snow here in town, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS has declared a winter storm warning Sunday morning through Monday at 8 p.m. and predicts wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Windchills could hit 15 degrees below zero.
The town of Marblehead has declared a winter storm watch, cold weather advisory and emergency parking ban. The snow emergency parking ban begins Sunday at noon.
“Due to the unpredictably of this storm event, the ban will not be lifted until the road conditions are safe (most likely Monday afternoon),” according to a statement from the town.
When a snow emergency is declared, parking will be restricted on public roadways during the designated hours of the parking ban. Vehicles found in violation of the parking ban may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense to ensure that roads remain clear for emergency vehicles and snow removal operations.
***In anticipation of Monday’s snowstorm Republic Services has made the decision to shut down trash & recycling collection Monday, Jan. 26. They will run on a one-day delay and resume collections on Tuesday. The Transfer Station will be closed Jan. 26.
The town is urging residents to stay informed, limit travel when possible and take the following necessary precautions to remain safe during the storm:
— When outside, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
Protect your home’s pipes by letting hot and cold water trickle or drip at night from a faucet.
— Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or near an outer
wall.
— Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
— Make sure you and your family know how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst.
— Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Use a hair dryer instead.
— Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
— Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
— Never run generators indoors.
— Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
— If your heat goes out, keep warm indoors by closing off rooms you do not need, dressing in
layers of lightweight clothing and wearing a hat.
Vehicle preparation
— Check your battery.
— Check your fluids (coolant, wiper fluid, oil, etc.).
— Check your tires.
— Have jumper cables.
— Stock your car with blankets, clothing, etc.
Stay with the Current throughout the stormy weekend for updates.
