Massachusetts seems to have passed through this one, relatively unscathed compared to neighboring states, Connecticut and New York.
“We’re very fortunate. We certainly dodged a bullet,” said Peter Judge of the Public Information office at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Judge reported that at the peak, 400,000 homes were without power around Massachusetts last night. That figure dropped to 275,000 by mid morning on Tuesday.
Around 30 shelters were made available, however only 165 people stayed in the accommodation and have since all returned to their homes. Thirty-one rapid assessment teams were dispatched on Tuesday around the state to assess areas expected to have worst damages. Judge expects the teams will only find fallen trees, power lines down and minimal coastal flooding.
All schools were closed on Monday Oct. 29 due to impending weather conditions. This restriction was lifted on Tuesday with the decision to reopen left to the discretion of communities and school districts.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Governor Deval Patrick declared a State of Emergency as of 12:45 p.m. on Oct. 27. This was declared in order to facilitate preparations for Hurricane Sandy which allows “the Governor broad authorities to implement emergency measures to ensure the safety and health of the residents of the Commonwealth” states the Government Public Security web page.
Gov. Patrick is currently reaching out to see how he can support neighboring states as well.
