STORM PREPARATION

Your Aquinnah Emergency Preparedness Team sends the following alert:

A  nor’easter is anticipated to affect the Vineyard as early as late Friday and throughout Saturday, with possible heavy snow and high winds.  While our police, fire, and emergency responders are monitoring events closely to keep us safe, it is critical that residents act now to prepare.  The storm may cause extended interruptions of electric power, internet access, cell phone and landline service, and may make it difficult to leave due to blocked roads, flooding, and high winds. Please review the guidance here to prepare for sheltering in place, and, only if safe, to use the Town’s emergency shelters. If you receive this communication but are off island, please share ASAP with anyone staying at your Aquinnah home. 

 

BEFORE THE STORM: 

Have on hand the following emergency supplies: 

  • Water: 1 gallon per day per person; additional water (fill bathtub, other containers) for flushing toilets, cleaning, pets, etc.  Well water depends on electric pumps that will not work if power is out.  
  • Food: Nonperishable /non cook food to last at least 3 days.  
  • Health: ample supply of medications; medical information sheet (e.g., prescriptions, allergies), first aid kit; pet meds; all necessary health-related equipment 
  • Flashlights, extra batteries, candles, matches; supplies for fireplace, woodstove, outdoor grill, etc. if safe to use 
  • Cell phone/chargers (home and vehicle); emergency radio (battery operated – WMVY) 
  • Vital documents - ID, credit cards, cash, contact info for family 

Take steps to protect yourself, your property, and your neighbors 

  • Fill up/charge up vehicles. 
  • Take in/stow/ secure outdoor furniture, grills, garden equipment, dinghies, kayaks etc. 
  • Secure doors and windows; have tarp, duct tape handy. 
  • Deal promptly with potential hazards (trees, overhanging limbs) that could cause damage 
  • Contact neighbors to offer assistance 

 

DURING THE STORM AND ITS IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH :  

  • Shelter in place if possible - stay in rooms protected from possible home damage from wind/rain/debris/trees 
  • Survey damage only after danger is passed; undertake safe clean up and assist neighbors.  
  • Conserve vehicle fuel /aid first responders by not exploring post-storm. 

 

Use Aquinnah Town Hall daytime warming/cooling shelter only when it is safe to venture out 

  • A first responder (Fire or Police Dept) will generally be available at the shelter 
  • The shelter will open when it is safe to do so. It has generator support to power cellphones, water, and snacks and provide heat or air conditioning.   
  • Observe hygiene and safety requirements at the shelter (e.g., masks, temperature check, social distancing, control of small children, space limitations). 
  • Bring your own charger, containers for water 
  • Do not bring pets unless they are crated. 

Use the Tribe’s Community Center overnight shelter if sheltering in place at night is not safe. 

  • First responders will be available as needed. The shelter will open when safe to do so. 
  • The overnight shelter is an approved Red Cross Shelter for emergency use, with limited food and sleeping facilities (cots, blankets, etc).   
  • Follow the same guidance re:  power, hygiene, safety, and pets as daytime shelter. 

 

Aquinnah Community Emergency Response Team

aquinnahcert@gmail.com