City Opens Emergency Operations Center

The following is an edited press release from the Attleboro Police Department about the opening of the Emergency Operations Center:

On Monday, Mayor Kevin Dumas activated the city's Emergency Operations. It is located at the Attleboro Police station (12 Union St.) and can be reached by calling 508-223-2275. Residents experiencing a medical, fire or police emergency should dial 911.

The EOC is staffed by 12 to 15 personnel consisting of police dispatchers, police officers and city department staff. City departments who are represented in the EOC include fire, police, public works, forestry, inspections and a representative from National Grid.

It is anticipated that at least some or all of the city's 19,000 electric customers will experience outages that could last for several days. By having National Grid represented in the EOC, it is hoped this will minimize the length of any outages.

Preparations leading up to the storm included the release of a statement by Dumas in which he provides useful information to help residents prepare for the storm. The release was hand-delivered on Friday to nursing homes and assisted living centers as well as residents living in mobile home parks. The release was also provided to Double ACS, Attleboro Patch and The Sun Chronicle and is posted on the city's website (www.cityofattleboro.us). Updated information will be posted on the city's website as quickly as possible.

On Saturday, a Reverse 911 message was disseminated by Police Chief Kyle Heagney to residents with information necessary to prepare for the storm. Also on Saturday, the city's website was updated with the mayor's message to residents and the rubbish and recycling program was delayed by one day this week. Several meetings took place Saturday with all city department heads and final preparations for the storm were discussed.

Dumas is asking all residents to stay indoors and preferably at their homes.  Residents should stay away from windows, which can be struck by flying debris.