Chief Edward James Walsh
23 Summer St.
Taunton, MA 02780
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: ben@jgpr.net
Taunton Police Department Alerts Residents to Potential Flooding Today
TAUNTON — Chief Edward Walsh seeks to to alert residents about the remnants of Hurricane Florence, expected to strike to the region Tuesday that could cause heavy rainfall and flooding.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a hazardous weather outlook for most of southern New England, including Bristol County. A flash flood watch will be in effect from 5 a.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday in parts of the state.
The rain is expected to begin early Tuesday and the heaviest rainfall is predicted during the afternoon, with the potential for thunderstorms. The storm should taper off by Wednesday morning, according to the NWS.
Chief Walsh would like to offer the following tips to help Taunton residents prepare for the storm:
- Clear any storm drains of debris.
- Ensure downspouts are pitched away from your home.
- If prone to getting water in your house make sure your sump pump is working properly.
- Be sure to have working batteries for flashlights and battery-powered lanterns to use in the event of a power outage. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything flammable and do not leave them unattended.
- Keep cell phones charged.
- Stay off the roads and stay indoors, if possible.
- Stay away from any downed power lines.
- Check in on elderly or disabled neighbors.
For all emergencies such as gas emergencies and downed wires, call 911. For outages and non-emergencies call Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant for electric at 508-824-3111 and Columbia Gas for gas service at 1-800-525-8222.
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