Coventry EMA Ask Residents to Prepare for Possible Extended Power Loss

The Town of Coventry Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in cooperation with all Emergency Response Agencies and Human Services Agencies of the Town of Coventry are planning the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. 

The Town of Coventry has experienced no fewer than 500 power outages as of 6:00 p.m. These outages will continue until sustained wind speeds lessen and National Grid crews can make repairs. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. 

Considerations for this period of power loss should include the following:

1. Available drinking water for those with wells.
2. Alternate lighting sources.
3. Availability of non-spoilable foods.
4. Medical issues that require the use of electric powered health aids. i.e. nebulizers, oxygen systems etc.

SHELTER OPERATIONS:

The Town of Coventry Emergency Management Agency (EMA) would like to inform the public that the Shelter located at the Coventry High School (40 Reservoir Rd.) remains in operation. The shelter will NOT be able to accommodate family pets, please make alternative arrangements. As a last resort, the Coventry Animal Shelter will be able to accommodate a small number of pets, which will be subject to a first come, first serve basis due to space limitations. Coventry Animal Control can be reached at 822-9106. 

FOR EVACUATION AND SHELTER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL OUR 24HR INFO LINE AT 822-6215.

POINTS OF INTEREST:

1. SCHOOL IS CANCELLED IN COVENTRY ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY
2. THERE WILL BE NO GARBAGE OR YARD WASTE PICK-UP IN COVENTRY ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY. IF YOU HAVE CANS OUT PLEASE SECURE THEM.
3. A PARKING BAN WILL BE IN EFFECT BEGINNING AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
4. TOWN HALL AND TOWN LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY.

REMINDER - Safety Tips:

Residents need to be especially careful during a loss of electrical power, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire increases at that time.

In order to power lights, to keep food cold or to cook, residents often use gas-powered generators. CEMA warn consumers NEVER to use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements or sheds. The exhaust from generators contains high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) that can quickly incapacitate and kill.

Please stay inside and off roadways during this storm. Be aware of downed trees, fallen electrical lines, flooding and flying objects.

Do not attempt to cross deep moving water or standing water.

Do not consume food or beverages that were exposed to floodwaters or areas containing debris or sludge.

For more information regarding the planning by Coventry EMA you may go to the Town of Coventry website http://www.town.coventry.ri.us/.

Additional information may be obtained from the Rhode Island EMA at their website http://www.riema.ri.gov/whatsnew/.

The Coventry Emergency Management Agency thanks you for your cooperation!