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AUBURN, Mass. – With Hurricane Sandy intensifying on Monday afternoon, Auburn Town Manager Julie Jacobson is urging all residents to stay off the roads if possible and to remain indoors as potential tree damage and flying debris is expected.
“Public safety remains the town’s main priority,” Jacobson said in a hurricane update press release. “The town administration and the Emergency Management Department continue to coordinate and plan at all levels to prepare for and manage the impacts from Hurricane Sandy. Town officials have been and will continue to regularly communicate with MEMA officials and National Grid officials.”
Auburn is expected to experience the greatest impacts from the hurricane from noon to 9 p.m. on Monday. According to the National Weather Service, effects of the storm will generate moderate to major impacts, primarily from damaging and sustained winds, for a period of 12 to 18 hours, including potential widespread power outages.
Depending on the strength of the storm and the extent of any power outages in Auburn, the town will determine whether to open a comfort station or a shelter. If there is a need to open a comfort station, which is a temporary day-time facility, or a full shelter operation, the Town will provide information to residents through a variety of mechanisms: via CodeRED, the town’s website, Auburn Cable Television Channel 12 and Auburn’s information radio 1610 AM.
Auburn Town Hall, the Auburn Public Library and the Lorraine Gleick Nordgren Senior Center are closed on Monday. Only essential personnel, including emergency management, police, fire, public works, public health, communications and code have reported to work.
Auburn Public Schools are also closed, and all board and committee meetings scheduled for Monday at Town Hall are canceled, including the Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
At this point, trash will be picked up as regularly scheduled. The Leaf Pile at the Department of Public Works is closed on Monday.
For emergency calls, use 911. For non-emergency calls to Auburn Dispatch, call 508-832-7777.
To report downed trees to the DPW, call 508-832-7814. The DPW cannot remove trees if they are on power or utility lines until the area has been secured by National Grid.
To report power outages, call National Grid’s 24-hour customer service center: at 1-800-465-1212.
The Daily Voice, available on computer, tablet and smartphone, will be updating with the latest local information throughout the storm. Have cancellations or storm damage photos? Email rsobey@dailyvoice.com.
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