STATE, CITY DECLARE STATE OF EMERGENCY AS HURRICANE SANDY APPROACHES EASTERN SEABOARD

SOMERVILLE - Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today
that, in conjunction with Governor Deval Patrick's Saturday declaration of a
weather-related  State of Emergency for
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Somerville has declared a public
State of Emergency effective 1 a.m. on the morning of Monday, October 29, 2012.  Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi announced
that he has cancelled Monday classes and activities for all Somerville Public
Schools.  Additionally, Monday morning
trash pickup will begin earlier than normal, 5:00 a.m., in order to minimize additional
debris caused by unusually high winds.

"The latest forecasts suggest that Hurricane Sandy
will batter eastern Massachusetts with an unusually prolonged period of
sustained winds in excess of 50 miles an hour - perhaps for as long as twelve
hours beginning midday on Monday," said Mayor Curtatone. "Winds are likely to
gust even higher during that period, but fifty miles per hour is more than
enough to bring down tree branches and power lines, and to cause other types of
significant damage.  No one should be taking
this storm lightly."  Mayor Curtatone
indicated that the City would monitor power outages and other impacts of the
storm, and would be prepared to open shelters if necessary. "We'll be using the
Connect CTY system, our website and 311 to keep residents informed as we learn
more about the track and intensity of the storm."

The
Mayor recommended that, starting on Sunday evening, city residents stay indoors
and off city streets until advised that it is safe to come outside. "Studies
show at sheltering in place is the best way to avoid injuries.  It also lets repair and cleanup crews do
their work as quickly as possible," Curtatone said. Emergency Management
officials suggest that residents should plan on having food, water, batteries,
flashlights, etc, to enable them to stay inside for up to 72 hours.  Residents with a Monday trash pickup are
urged to put their trash out on Sunday evening and to recover their trash bins
by no later than 10 a.m.  Residents may
also use heavy-gauge trash bags and keep their trash bins and barrels secured
during the storm.

"City
crews have been working since late Thursday to clear out storm drains and
catch-basins, cut down dead trees, trim potentially hazardous tree branches and
to sandbag low-lying municipal facilities that have experienced flooding in
past storms," said Department of Public Works Commissioner Stanley Koty.  "We'll be coordinating with the MWRA and
other state agencies to make sure we eliminated potential backups further
downstream so that we get maximum flow during periods of heavy rain."

"Right
now, forecasts indicate that rainfall be extensive - up to five inches from
Sunday night through Tuesday morning - but spread out over a long period," said
Mayor Curtatone.  "That pattern would
improve our chances to avoid flooding but we're not taking anything for
granted.  We will be as prepared as we
can possibly be, and we hope residents will take basic precautions as well."

City
officials offered the following Preparation Guidelines:

For
high-wind preparation:

• Bring in or
  secure lawn furniture and hanging decorations (including Halloween decorations)
• Trim dead wood
  and weak or overhanging branches from all trees;
• Check and secure
  anchoring for covered porches;
• Reinforce garage
  doors so that they are able to withstand high winds;
• Install tie-downs
  for sheds, fuel tanks, television antennas and dishes, and woodpiles;

After
the storm:

• Be safe. If you
  have sheltered in place, stay inside until you are sure that it is safe to go
  outdoors. If you have evacuated your
  home or sheltered elsewhere, do not try to re-enter your home or attempt
  repairs until it is safe to do so;
• Keep children and
  pets away from downed or low-hanging power lines;
• Contact your
  insurance company as soon as possible;
• Do not make
  permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected the property - but do take
  action to prevent further damage, like covering holes in the roof or removing
  water;
• Take pictures of
  any storm related damage to your property or belongings, particularly if you
  must throw away items of value that are bacteria-laden;
• Keep a record of
  all your receipts, and document any time you spent securing your property, and
  your conversations with the insurance company.     

For additional and updated information, visit the
Alerts section of the City's homepage on the web, www.somervillema.gov.