Storm Preparation Guide

Severe weather can strike at any time, and being prepared is the best way to keep your family and home safe. Taking a few simple steps before a storm—like making an emergency plan, securing outdoor items, and having supplies ready—can make a big difference when conditions worsen. RMLD wants to help you understand how to prepare before, during, and after a storm so you can stay safe and minimize damage.

Before a Storm – Be Prepared

• Make an emergency kit. MEMA’s Emergency Kit Checklist.
• Have plenty of non-perishable food, drinking water, and pet food on hand.
• Have first aid supplies and prescriptions on hand.
• Have flashlights, spare batteries, candles, and matches available.
• Fill your car’s gas tank or charge EVs in advance.
• Charge your phone, tablet, and laptop to full capacity.
• If your water supply could be affected by a power outage, fill your bathtub with water to flush toilets. DO NOT use this water for drinking.
• Turn your refrigerator/freezer up to the coldest setting to keep food cold if the power goes out. Remember to reset to normal once power is restored. 
• If you have a generator, make sure you know how to safely use it and that you have a sufficient amount of fuel on hand. NEVER install or run a generator inside.
• Find out if your town intends to open shelters and where they will be located.
• Be prepared with books, puzzles, cards, and board games to keep the family entertained.

Home Medical Devices

If you have a medical device that requires power, have a plan for where to go if the power goes out and gather relevant supplies. If you lose power and cannot get to your backup location, go to the emergency room.

During a Storm – Be Informed

Where to Find Outage Information:

Area outages will be posted on X at @readinglight. The RMLD Outage Map shows reported and planned outages, current status and estimated restoration times. 

If you lose power:

• Minimize opening and closing your refrigerator/freezer as much as possible to keep the cool air inside. During cold weather, you can put food in a sealed container (to prevent animal access) and put the container outside to keep food from spoiling. Only do this if it’s safe to go outdoors.
• Unplug your electrical devices (TV, DVD player, microwave, computer, stereo, etc.) that are not plugged into surge protectors. When power is restored, wait a few minutes to plug devices back in.
• Follow the safety instructions of local authorities.

If you see downed power lines:

• Report downed power lines to RMLD or call local emergency personnel immediately. To report a downed power line or electrical equipment to RMLD call 781-942-6598 or 781-944-1340.
• Always keep at least 30 feet away from downed lines. Never drive over downed power lines.
• Do not touch anything in the area of a downed power lines such as trees, fences, guardrails, etc.