November 7, 2011
Important Message from the Springfield Fire Department
Residents experiencing a power outage should shut-off the main breaker so that when power comes back on it does not cause a surge which can cause a fire.
Do not use outdoor cooking or heating appliances indoors. Also, generators cannot be used inside. They need proper ventilation. Residents using backup generators and fireplaces should ensure there is proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning especially when using equipment that requires vents or fans for airflow if there is no electricity.
Check fireplaces to ensure that are clear and do not have cracks in the bricks to avoid fires.
Residents using candles should use extreme caution to avoid fires.
Down Power Line Warning
Residents should stay away from all downed power lines to avoid injuries.
Food Safety Advisory
The City’s Department of Health and Human Services advises residents not to consume any food that has been stored in a refrigerator at temperatures of 45 degrees for more than four (4) consecutive hours to avoid illness.
Municipal Rubbish Collection
The City’s Department of Public Works indicates that rubbish collection will continue on schedule. Items should be placed out for collection no later than 7:00 a.m., on the day of collection
Tree Debris Removal
Springfield’s Department of Parks, Facilities and Recreational Management and the Department of Public Works wants Springfield residents to know that trees and tree branch debris can be placed on city treebelts and along the edge of the street on residential properties (for houses without treebelts) and it will be picked up in the coming days as crews primary focus is on opening city streets.
The City of Springfield also reminds contractors who have been hired by residents that they are responsible for their own debris removal. The City will not remove debris generated by hired contractors.
Residents are encouraged to contact their homeowners’ insurance company for questions about insurance coverage regarding large trees and branches on private property.
Helping Animals in Need
Two local animal welfare organizations are able to assist domestic animals. The following is the contact information for the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society and the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center
Dakin Pioneer Valley Human Society TJO Animal Control & Adoption Center
171 Union Street 627 Cottage Street
Springfield, MA 01105 Springfield, MA 01104
Tel #: (413) 781-4000 Tel #: (413) 781-1484
www.dpvhs.org www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com
City Inspectional Services for Electric and Gas
WMECO will only restore power to the structure. If there is damage to the homeowners’ power supply equipment they will have to contact a licensed electrician to restore the work. Homeowners can have this work performed if required before WMECO restores power to their residence. See this document for further explanation.
If electrical service wires have been torn from the structure property owners much contact an electrician to reconnect the power line supply. The electric company will only reconnect the power supply to the structure.
Western Mass Electric Company’s service request number: (800) 286-2000
Inspectional Services can be reached at (413) 787-6031
Salvation Army has baby supplies, baby food and adult food. It is recommend that people call ahead (413)733-1518 Salvation Army is located at 170 Pearl Street, Springfield, MA
All wooded areas in city parks are closed until further notice.
Utility Company Numbers:
•WMECO: Outage - (800) 286-2000
•Columbia Gas: 800-677-5052
•Springfield Water and Sewer: 413-787-6206
•Comcast Cable: 800-266-2278
•Verizon 800-837-4966 www.verizon.com/support
3-1-1 Call Center
The City’s 3-1-1 Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. The call center can be reached from a landline by calling 3-1-1, or from outside of Springfield or via cell phone at (413) 736-3111.
Additional Resources
Tips from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office - http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/storms-and-recovery.html
Download the below claim form which residents can fill out if there are complaints about city trees damaging their property.
Claim Form (PDF)
Claim Form (DOC)