12:29pm, 05/18/13
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Cape Wide News for Friday February 8th, 2013



CWN Storm Team Coverage of the Blizzard of '13
CAPE COD - One of the worst storms in recent memory will batter the region now into Saturday.
Snowfall/wind reports          Local Storm Damage Reports
Check here for continuing coverage as long as our utilities remain up.
11:30 p.m. update: Extensive power outages across the Cape. About 68,000 NSTAR customers are out. Numerous reports of trees down with wires. A handful of reports where trees snapped utility poles. Some reports of trees down on cars. Centerville Fire checking report of tree down on roof of house.
Storm coverage continues in our Saturday report here

8:30 p.m. update: A downed power line sparked a fire that engulfed at least two cars in front of a house at 801 County Road in Bourne. Firefighters had to carefully evacuate the house and keep the flames from spreading to it until NSTAR could kill the power. Power outage numbers are down to 13,000 with Provincetown hardest hit because of wires down on Conwell Street. Most of the town is out and we are making this report on emergency power.

7:30 p.m. update: Power outage numbers are rising rapidly as the situation becomes extensive. Nearly 29,000 customers are out including almost the entire town of Mashpee. A downed wire caused a small fire on the outside of a home at 666 Santuit Road in Cotuit.

7:00 p.m. update: 2,600 NSTAR customers in the dark. including over 1,100 in Falmouth, and nearly 1,000 in Barnstable. A number of reports of trees down blocking roads. Peak wind gust to 59 MPH in Nantucket. Power flickering on and off here in Provincetown. We'll continue to report in as we can.

5:30 p.m. update: Preciptation becoming all snow. Winds gusting to nearly 50 MPH. First reports of power problems in Bourne. This was the view of the deserted Sagamore Bridge a short time ago from a Mass DOT webcam. Before the travel ban began, there were reports of ice forming on the girders and dropping down on vehicles.

The Yarmouth Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind everyone of special precautions to take during the storm:

1.      Please pitch in and help clean up snow around neighborhood fire hydrants.
2.      Keep home gas vents clear.
3.      Be extremely cautious with the use of candles; do not fall asleep with candles burning.
4.      If you have an emergency during the storm, help us find you house by watching for us, and flagging us down.
5.      If you have not had your fireplace inspected and serviced, now is not the time to try and use it.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the fire rescue department.

4:00 p.m. update: The Governor has ordered a travel ban commencing at this hour. Only emergency travel should be attempted. Violators are subject to fines and possible arrest. No serious injuries in a rollover westbound on Route 6 between exits 5 and 4.

3:00 p.m. update: Winds are already gusting to nearly 40 MPH. Precipitation is mixed as of this hour. The Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BCREPC) held a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2013. Based on the most recent storm forecast, the REPC announces the following Cape Cod regional shelters will be opened on Friday afternoon, February 8, 2013, at 3 p.m. 

Sandwich High School Shelter: 365 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, Sandwich
Status: Opening to the public on Friday, February 8 at 3 p.m.
Animal Shelter: Yes

Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School Regional Shelter: 210 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth
Status: Opening to the public on Friday, February 8 at 3 p.m.
Animal Shelter: Yes

Nauset Regional High School Shelter: 100 Cable Road, Eastham
Status: Opening to the public on Friday, February 8 at 3 p.m.
Animal Shelter: Yes


Falmouth High School Shelter: 874 Gifford Street, Falmouth
Status: Opening to the public on Friday, February 8 at 3 p.m.


Even though the shelters are opening, the REPC cautions citizens that travel during the storm will be dangerous if not impossible. The safest course of action is to remain at home if possible until the storm has passed. The Cape Cod Regional Transport Authority will provide transportation to shelters as long as conditions are safe. Citizens should call 800-352-7155 for transport to a shelter. As of 3 p.m. the Steamship Authority and the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority have suspended operations.

Several governmental agencies are issuing statements of their own:
Eastham: Pet Friendly shelter is now open at Nauset Regional High School as posted above. Remember to bring medications, baby food, blanket, pillow, small toys. Stay off roads during the storm. In case of emergency call 911. For non-emergency matters or for a ride to the shelter call (508) 255-0551. Listen to local radio and TV for updates.

Dennis: 
Dennis Emergency Management personnel continue to prepare for the upcoming Nor’easter - snow storm, which is now anticipated to strike the Cape more severely than previously anticipated.  Snow has already begun to fall in the Mid-Cape area and will intensify during the day with the height of the storm occurring during the afternoon period of Friday into Saturday morning when it is expected to begin to taper off ending mid- to late afternoon on Saturday.

The latest weather report, as of 9:00am this morning, anticipates that the storm will setup south of the Cape resulting in more snow (of a lighter variety) than previously thought.  Sustained winds are expected to be in the 30-40 MPH (gale force) category resulting in blizzard conditions beginning this afternoon and lasting into tomorrow.  Gusts may at times exceed 60 MPH which when combined with the snow will likely bring down many trees and power lines.   Do not go near downed wires – treat them as being electrified.  If you see a wire down contact your local emergency agency.  In Dennis you are asked to call 911 in case of an emergency or 508-394-1315.

The high winds combined with astronomical high tides will result in flooding along the north and south facing coastlines.  You are asked to stay away from these areas during the storm.

The phone number to report a power outage to NSTAR is 1-800-592-2000.  Citizens are encouraged to use the NSTAR phone system to report power outages – the system automatically tracks these calls and provides information to NSTAR as to how many people are out in a given area.  The system will also give the caller a call back to provide information as to when the power is expected to be turned back on.

Citizens are asked to stay at home or in a shelter and off the roadways during the storm.  If you need to be out use extreme caution, and watch for fallen trees, wires and non-functioning traffic signal lights.

In Dennis there will be a parking ban in effect from Noon on Friday through noon on Sunday, February 10th.  Vehicles parked on roadways may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Arrangements are being made to activate a shelter in the mid-Cape area at the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, located at 210 Station Ave. South Yarmouth.  This shelter will be pet friendly and will open beginning at 3:00pm this afternoon.    Persons needing transport to the shelter can either call the Cape Cod Regional Transportation Authority at 1-800-352-7155 or in Dennis 508-394-1315.   

For updates monitor local media outlets – TV, radio and online – the Dennis Police website – www.dennispolice.com or the Town of Dennis website www.town.dennis.ma.us as well as the local government cable TV Channel 18.
Regular updates will also be posted on these sites.

Use 911 for emergencies only, for all other calls you can dial 508-394-1313.


Yarmouth: The Blizzard of 2013’ is heading our way and the Yarmouth Police, Fire, Department of Public Works, Department of Natural Resources, and all other town departments are working together to meet the public safety needs of our community.

Our dedicated team has been in constant contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee, and other federal, state, and local emergency management related agencies and is fully prepared to protect and serve as needed throughout the storm period.


The Town of Yarmouth Emergency Operations Center and the Barnstable County Multi Agency Coordination Center will be operational and ready to coordinate services throughout the area.

Our regional shelter at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School at 210 Station Avenue will be open to the public and their pets at approximately 4:00 PM today.

Important Safety Reminders
Do not drive during the storm
Stay away from downed wires or utility poles. Assume all downed wires are “live” and stay away. 
Persons dependent on electrically powered life support systems should have a prearranged plan concerning power outage situations. 
Join CodeRED! All individuals and businesses are urged to log onto the Town of Yarmouth web site at www.yarmouth.ma.us and follow the link to the CodeRED Community Notification sign up page.

Emergency Supplies to Have Available
·         Emergency food – be aware of the expiration dates and replace as required
·         Flashlights – have several and place them throughout the house
·         Portable, battery-operated radio
·         Fresh batteries – of the correct size for flashlights and radio
·         Manual can opener
·         First aid kit
·         Water – for drinking, cooking, and flushing

Important phone numbers:
All power outages—NSTAR 1-800-592-2000
Non-emergency Fire hazards—The Yarmouth Fire Department 508-398-2212     
Non-emergency Police hazards—The Yarmouth Police Department 508-775-0445 extension 0
All Emergencies—911

State Fire Marshal: Fire Marshal Issues Storm Fire Safety Warnings
State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan issued fire safety warnings with the approaching storm.  “Start your storm preparations by making sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and stock up on battery-operated candles and flashlights in case the power goes out,” he said.

Prevent Fires from Alternative Lighting, Heating and Cooking
“It can be difficult and frustrating to be without light, heat or the ability to cook for an extended period of time, but it is critical to stay safe and not make a bad situation worse,” said Coan. “After storms, we often see many fires from woodstoves being overloaded, improper disposal of ashes, candles, and improper re-fueling of generators.”

Wood, Coal and Pellet Stoves
“Prevent serious fires from the improper disposal of ashes from fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves,” said Coan. “A single ember can remain hot for days, so put ashes in a metal container with a lid away from the house, the garage, the deck,” he added. Already this heating season, many fires started with ashes put into plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and plastic trash bins, in the garage, under the deck or even in the family room.

“Don’t over fire your woodstove as they are not designed to replace central heating systems. An overtaxed woodstove can easily start a chimney fire taking advantage of creosote build-up or minor cracks in the flue or causing a breakdown in the chimney liner,” said Coan. Heating appliances are the leading cause of carbon monoxide in the home and the risk increases when they are working harder. For more information go to www.mass.gov/keepwarmkeepsafe.

Use Flashlights and Battery-Operated Candles
Use flashlights and battery-operated candles for safety. If you must use flame candles, remember to burn them inside a one-foot circle of safety free of anything that can burn. Place them on a non-combustible surface or in the sink; blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed; and use jar candles or place a globe over stick candles. Keep pets and children away from candles.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
“Carbon monoxide poisoning is a great risk at times like these,” said Coan. “Don’t use your oven for heat and don’t bring a hibachi or gas grill inside to cook, doing so can cause carbon monoxide poisoning,” he said. Coan warned, “Using propane or charcoal grills or generators inside the garage – even with the door open – poses a serious risk of CO poisoning.” People need to know they could electrocute utility workers by “back feeding” (plugging the generator directly into an outlet) and that they need to have an electrician install an appropriate transfer switch first.

Make Sure Smoke Alarms and CO Alarms are Working
One of the simplest steps for safety you can take is to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. “During an extended power outage the battery-back-ups in hard-wired smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors may need replacing in many cases in order to continue to provide protection. Listen for a low battery chirp or look for an ‘lb’ readout,” said Fire Marshal Coan.

Clear Snow from Furnace and Dryer Vents
Keep outside furnace, hot water and dryer vents clear of drifting snow, to prevent flue gases from backing up into the home and creating a carbon monoxide hazard.

Consider Going to a Shelter to Charge Up Cell Phones
Many people may lose the ability to make emergency calls when cell phone batteries and the battery-backup for fiber optic telephone/cable/Internet services become depleted. “I would urge people without lights and heat to consider staying with friends and family have power or go to an emergency shelter for a short while, even if it’s just to charge up cell phones, get a hot meal and warm up,” Coan said. “

Prevent Freezing Pipes
“Let hot and cold water faucets drip a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing and open cupboards under sinks to let heat circulate around the pipes,” said Coan.

Gasoline Safety
“If you’re filling up your snow blower, be sure to transport gasoline safely in an approved container in the trunk of your car,” said Coan. Fire officials recommend placing the container on the ground to avoid any static electrical charge igniting vapors. State regulations prohibit transporting more than seven gallons without a permit. Gasoline should be stored outside the home in small quantities in approved containers. “Remember to allow equipment to cool before refueling to prevent vapors from ignited,” said Coan.

For more information on safety go to www.mass.gov/dfs click on fire safety topics then Storm Safety.

Man charged with domestic battery for second time
HARWICH
- Harwich Police report that on On Thursday at approximately 8:40 p.m., Harwich Police Patrol Sergeant Kevin Considine, Patrol Officer Mark Shelley, and Patrol Officer Paul Boorack responded to an address in West Harwich for a reported domestic disturbance.

Officers arrived at the house and found a male subject with a bloody nose standing in the front yard. The person told Officers that he and his sister’s boyfriend had been fighting inside the house. The victim identified the suspect as Robert Nunes, 46, of Falmouth. This victim also told Officers that his sister attempted to intervene in the fighting when Mr. Nunes punched her in the face. 

Officers entered the home and found Mr. Nunes’ girlfriend lying face down on the floor in a pool of blood. She was incoherent and appeared to be intoxicated.  She was transported to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Officers located Mr. Nunes in the house and after a brief interview he was placed under arrest for 2 counts of Domestic Assault and Battery.  Mr. Nunes was transported to the Harwich Public Safety Facility where he was processed and ordered held on $4,000 cash bail.

Mr. Nunes was arrested in January 2013 for a Domestic Violence Assault and Battery on the same victim.  That case is still pending in Orleans District Court.
Media release and mugshot furnished by Harwich Police

Truck vs tree in Harwich

HARWICH
- One person was injured when their pickup truck struck a tree in Harwich. It happened shortly before 1 a.m. on Pleasant Lake Avenue (Route 124) at Whip-O-Will Lane. The driver was extricated and taken to Cape Cod Hospital with unknown injuries. Harwich Police are investigating.
Photo courtesy of Patrick Foley

Eastham Police CERT class graduates
Back Row: (Left to Right) Sergeant Daniel Deschamps, Michael Guzowski, Kristine Chiarappo, Roslyn Diamond, Michael Harnott, Linda Delfino, Dilys Smith, Detective Adam Bohannon, Deputy Chief Kenneth Roderick. Front Row: (Left to Right) Georgia Schneider, Maureen Fagan, Katherine Krouch, Steven Kleinberg. Not Pictured: Ed Weber, Lawrence Dibona, Thomas Lewis, Ernest Watermon
EASTHAMOn Tuesday January 29th, the 4th Session of the Eastham Police Department Citizen Police Academy graduated from the 11 week community outreach training program.

The purpose of the program was to enlighten residents on the many aspects of the police function and to give them a first hand experience in the many technical areas Police officers deal with on a daily basis.

The class was attended by 15 residents and some of the areas covered were Laws of arrest and Search and Seizure,  OUI and Speed enforcement, Evidence collection and processing as well as the legal requirements for the Use of force as well as explanations and demonstrations for category specific investigations.

The class was a resounding success due to the commitment  and dedication of the Eastham Officers who instructed the classes and the Eastham Police Union who funded refreshments each week as well as the graduation cake and diplomas for the last class.
Media release and photo furnished by Eastham Police


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