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Hopkinton Prepares for Hurricane Irene

By Mike Torosian, Production Coordinator

Here's is the latest update about what Hopkinton is doing to get ready for Hurricane Irene.

Hurricane Irene built up strength; now a Category 3 hurricane, Irene has pummeled her way through the Bahamas and is headed for the coast of the United States. Citizens of North Carolina are preparing as Irene is about to strike the coast tonight and head north to Massachusetts.

In Hopkinton, public services are preparing for whatever Irene is going to bring.

"We are," said Water and Sewer Manger Eric Carty. "Right now we're going through all our equipment; making sure that all of our sump pumps, our trash pumps are all working and ready to go. We're also going through all of our stations and checking out all of the generators so that in case of a power loss, all of the generators will be working.

Carty says he has been working all morning with the Highway Department as well to make up sandbags in case of flooding.

In the Highway Department, Manager Mike Mansir says, "We're preparing the best we can. We've got guys filling sandbags, getting chain saws ready, making sure our chipper, our trucks, and loaders and equipment are all fueled up and ready to go."

According to Mansir, anytime we're going to get a storm, whether it's a hurricane or a rain storm, his department has standard procedures to follow, to make sure they are ready to deal with any problems.

For the Hopkinton Fire Department, it's just like any other day says Chief Clark.

"Most of our equipment is ready to go at a moment's notice," said Clark, but he says its always good before a potential severe weather condition to make sure that all the gas tanks are topped off and everything is ready to go.

Clark also provided an brief update on new equipment at the Fire Station. An aging engine was replaced with the New Engine 4 which has been it service for just about four weeks.

"It's working out very, very well," said Clark. "All of the personnel are very happy with it and it's very functional for all the tasks that we have to perform in Hopkinton."

Clark also spoke about the new SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) that went into service recently. The equipment, which was provided by a FEMA grant at no cost to the town, allows firefighters to breathe better in situations where there is hazardous materials, dust and smoke.

Al Rogers, Building Facilities Director, said his department is also taking precautions, making sure that all of the generators all fueled up and roof drains on the school buildings have been checked to make sure that they are clear.

"Just in case, I've lined up a tree company to come in and remove trees, if that's necessary," said Rogers.

For more information and some tips about how you can prepare for the storm, see the emergency guidelines documents here.

Or see the attached document below.

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