TMLP Weather Page

Weather Wise
The following information has been designed to help you when severe New England weather threatens. By being weather wise, we will give you the upper hand when it comes to protecting you, your family and property from the hazards that Mother Nature creates. Above all else, the TMLP considers "Safety" one of our most important goals. If you have additional questions, click to the "Ask the Pros" section, and one of our staff will respond within 48 hours.

Thunderstorm Information

Winter Storm Information

Hurricane Information

Click here for the weather forecast for the Taunton Area

Thunderstorms
Here's what you can do to prepare yourself and your family for a thunderstorm:

Before lightning strikes:
1.	Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind
2.	Listen for the sound of thunder.
3.	If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately
4.	Listen to commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts.

When a Storm approaches:
1.	Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
2.	Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity.
3.	Unplug appliances.
4.	Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
5.	Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
6.	Turn off the air conditioner. Lightning surges can damage equipment, resulting in costly repairs.
7.	Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.

If caught outside:
1.	If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
2.	If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!

Protecting yourself outside:
1.	Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.
2.	Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
3.	Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
4.	Do not lie flat on the ground-this will make you a larger target!

After the Storm passes:
1.	Stay away from storm-damaged areas.
2.	Listen to the radio for information and instructions

If someone is struck by lightning:
1.	People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. Call for help. Get someone to dial 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services
2.	The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places.
3.	Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.

Learn first aid and CPR:
1.	Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course. Call your local Red Cross chapter or police department for class schedules and fees.

Plan and get ready:
A thunderstorm is always accompanied by lightning. Thunderstorms are intense local storms averaging 20 miles across and reaching as high as 10 miles. Thunderstorms occur in all 50 states and all U.S. territories. Be prepared by having various family members do the activities on the checklist below. Then get together to discuss and finalize your Family Disaster Plan.

•	Pick a safe place in your home where family members can gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors. Location of safe place:____________________________
•	Discuss how you would know if a tornado is part of a thunderstorm. Does your community have a warning system? What other ways would you be notified of a tornado watch or warning? How we would be warned:___________________________
•	Pick a safe place to be in your home in case of a tornado. The safe place you picked for a thunderstorm may not be the safest place to be during a tornado. If you hear a loud roar or hear a tornado warning, you need to go to the lowest floor of your home into a room where there are no windows or glass doors. (If you have a basement, make that your safe place to be for a tornado.) Location of safe place to be in case of a tornado:__________________
•	Show children how to practice squatting low to the ground to be the smallest target possible for lightning in case they get caught outside in a thunderstorm. Show them how to place their hands on their knees with their head between their knees. Practice drill conducted:_____________________ (date)
•	Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab container. Location of Disaster Supplies Kit:______________________
•	Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat burns and how to give rescue breathing and administer CPR. Household member(s) trained in first aid:____________________
•	Certifications good through:_____________________ (date)

Winter Storms
Here's what you can do to prepare for a Winter Storm.

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Be sure you have properly operating smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

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Have extra blankets on hand.

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Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves, or mittens, hat, and water-resistant boots.

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Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing:

	•	First aid kit and essential medications
	•	Battery-powered portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
	•	Canned food and non-electric can opener
	•	Bottled water

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Have your car winterized before winter storm season.

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Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car (see list below).

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Stay tuned for storm warnings:

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Listen to local radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

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Know what winter storm WATCHES and WARNINGS mean:

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A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.

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A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.

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A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blind wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!

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When a winter storm WATCH is issued:

	•	Listen to local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
	•	Be alert to changing weather conditions.
	•	Avoid unnecessary travel.

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When a winter storm WARNING is issued:

	•	Stay indoors during the storm.
	•	If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.
	•	Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
	•	Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.
	•	Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. v

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After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks,

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Avoid overexertion.

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Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must:

	•	Have emergency supplies in the trunk (see list below).
	•	Keep you car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
	•	Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

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If you do get stuck:

	•	Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
	•	Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
	•	Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up into the car.
	•	Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
	•	As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
	•	Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air. v

Plan and get ready:
Winter storms bring ice, snow, cold temperatures, and often dangerous driving conditions. Even small amounts of snow and ice can cause severe problems for southern states where winter storms are infrequent.

Be prepared by having various household members do each of the items on the checklist below.

•	Put together a disaster supplies kit for your home in a clearly labeled, easy-to-grab box. Include a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, canned food and non-electric can opener, first aid supplies (including essential medications), and bottled water. Location of disaster supplies kit:_____________________
•	Put together a separate disaster supplies kit for the trunk of each car used by members of your household. Include blankets, extra sets of dry clothing, a shovel, sand, tire chains, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna. Car emergency kit put together and placed in car(s):___________(date)
•	Winterize the car(s) before winter storm season. Car(s) winterized:______________________(date)
•	Designate one household member as the winter storm preparedness leader. Have him or her discuss what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Have another household member state what he or she would do if caught outside or in a vehicle during a winter storm. Household winter storm preparedness leader:___________________
•	Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat exposure to the cold, frostbite, and hypothermia. Household member(s) trained in first aid:______________________
•	Certifications good through:______________(date)

Hurricanes

For additional information about Hurricanes and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Association, please visit www.mass.gov/mema.

Hurricane Safety Tips
1.	Listen to weather updates and stay informed.
2.	Keep a portable radio and flashlight on hand - with fresh batteries.
3.	Clear your yard of all loose objects.
4.	Move boats out of the water or to safe harbor and moor securely. Do not stay with the boat.
5.	Store drinking water in clean containers.
6.	Shutter or board all windows and secure double-door entrances.
7.	Plan your evacuation route, know where to go, and fill your car's gas tank. IF ORDERED TO EVACUATE - OBEY IMMEDIATELY! Take your HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT. Turn off water, gas, and electricity.
8.	DO NOT ENTER EVACUATED AREAS UNTIL THE LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE ISSUED AN ALL CLEAR.
9.	Evacuate manufactured (mobile) homes for more substantial shelter. Store other water for flushing and cleaning purposes.

Hurricane Kit
Keep a kit ready to go within hours. Include battery-operated radio and flashlight, plus the following:

•	First Aid Kit
•	2 week supply of medicine
•	Blankets or sleeping bags
•	Extra clothing
•	Lightweight folding chairs/cots
•	Infant supplies
•	Personal items including books, toys, and snacks
•	Important papers (valid ID) and money

Downed Power Lines - CALL 508-824-6976 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Here's what you can do to prepare yourself and your family for a thunderstorm:

What to Do Around a Downed Line Consider all downed wires live. Never touch or approach any utility line (cable, telephone, or electric) that has fallen. It may be carrying electricity. Call TMLP immediately to report any wires that are down, burning or have trees or branches leaning on them. When calling, be sure to give as exact a location as possible. A downed wire that lands on a vehicle can energize that vehicle and create an electrocution hazard to anyone attempting to leave or enter it. If a utility line falls on or near your occupied vehicle follow these rules:

1.	Stay in your vehicle until a TMLP employee has made sure the line is de-energized.
2.	If there is a fire in your vehicle, jump clear of the vehicle. As you jump, make sure you do not touch the ground and your vehicle at the same time.
3.	After you land on both feet, take short shuffle-like steps until you are well clear of your vehicle.

Remember, if the potential exists for coming in contact with utility lines, take the extra minute to make a call. It could save lives . . . possibly yours Some Tips
1.	Always stay away from power lines - Electric lines are NOT insulated. Any line - in the air, on the ground or underground - should be considered dangerous. Keep all objects away from lines. Call DigSafe at 1-800-DIG-SAFE before digging. If a line is down, call us immediately and then keep everyone away from the line until we arrive. (CALL 508-824-6976, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day) Never touch an object or a person that is in contact with a line. Also, stay clear of TMLP crews. Line work is difficult and hazardous. This will provide a safer situation for you and our crews.
2.	Heads up before you plant - Avoid planting trees where they might interfere with the power lines. Trees invite climbers who might touch electric lines running through the trees. Also, trees rubbing against or falling on lines can cause power interruptions or outages. Trees planted within the right of way easement will be cleared by TMLP crews.
3.	Keep away from underground transformer cabinets - Stay away, and keep children away, from underground transformer cabinets. Never open one of these cabinets as they contain high voltage lines. Also, do not plant trees, shrubs or flowers near the cabinet.
4.	Inspect your cords regularly - Check your extension and appliance cords from time to time. Look for worn or frayed insulation. Use only grounded (three-prong) cords for power tools, outside use and heavy-duty appliances.
5.	Install and use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) - To protect against electrical shock, install ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in bathrooms, near kitchen sinks, in the basement and garage, and for all outdoor outlets. The special outlet (which costs about $10) constantly monitors for any voltage leaks and automatically shuts off before it can cause a shock. Plug-in GFCI outlets and circuit breakers are also available. Even with a GFCI outlet, be careful using electric appliances around water which is a good conductor of electricity.
6.	Cut off circuit breakers or pull the fuse - If you are doing any electrical work, make sure the circuit is cut off or, if you have fuses, that they are "pulled". Lock the service panel or leave a note so no one will accidentally reactivate the circuit.
7.	Teach children to respect electricity - Children should be taught from a very young age that electricity can be used to make daily chores easier and leisure time more enjoyable. At the same time, they should be taught that everyone must respect the power of electricity to cause serious injury and, in extreme cases, death. To keep children from shocking themselves, install childproof outlet covers or hard-to-remove plug covers. Teach them that all downed lines are energized and to stay away-DO NOT TOUCH! Never allow children to operate electrical equipment, such as a hair dryer, without the close supervision of an adult.
8.	Ask for employee identification - Cooperative employees carry photo I.D. cards. Do not allow anyone to represent the TMLP who does not properly identify themselves as an employee. We urge you to call us if you question anyone's identity or actions.

What to do in an electrical emergency
•	If someone receives an electric shock from LIVE, INDOOR, ELECTRICITY - Shut off the power if possible. If not possible, use a dry wooden stick dry rope, or dry clothing to move the victim away from the power source.
•	If someone is in contact with a LIVE, OUTDOOR POWER LINE - The only safe thing to do is to call your electric utility and have them turn the power off. Call an ambulance immediately! DO NOT attempt to move any outdoor electrical equipment or the victim.
•	In case of an ELECTRICAL FIRE - Unplug the appliance when possible. If smoke comes from wires or electric motors, open the main breaker or turn the power off. If a fire is small, use a fire extinguisher rated specifically for electrical fires or plain baking soda to put it out. NEVER use water to put out an electrical fire. In doubt? Call the fire department! Be sure to give your name, address, and tell them it's an electrical fire. If a fire is too big, get everyone out of the house immediately!
•	If a POWER LINE OR BROKEN WIRE is down near your house - DO NOT touch it! ALWAYS assume the wire is energized. Be sure to contact us so we can make necessary repairs.

Summary - What you remember may save your life!
Long before a storm or hurricane threatens, the TMLP stands ready to respond. When the storm hits, our employees are ready to go to work to restore power interrupted by the storm´s fury. Here are a few additional tips to follow for your safety:

Before lightning strikes:
1.	If someone in your home is dependent on medical equipment requiring electricity, make arrangements in advance for an alternative power source for emergencies.
2.	If you live in low lying areas near (rivers or lakes), and rising water threatens your home, turn off the power at the circuit breaker panel or fuse box before water enters your home. Have an electrician inspect your system before turning the power back on after flooding.
3.	Never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands, or while standing on a wet or damp surface.