*UPDATE - September 12, 2023 at 3:45 p.m.*
North Attleborough Announces American Red Cross Clean-Up Kits and Sand Bag Distribution for Residents
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — Town Manager Michael Borg and Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Christopher Coleman announce that the American Red Cross will be distributing Clean-Up Kits following significant rainfall and flooding Monday night.
North Attleboro officials and the American Red Cross will be distributing clean-up kits tonight from 5-7 p.m. at the Department of Public Works garage, 240 Smith St., while supplies last.
Residents can also fill their own sandbags at the DPW garage. Bags and sand will be provided by the Town, but residents will need to fill their bags with sand. Residents are welcome to take as many sandbags as they think they will need and may take sand whenever.
Red Cross clean-up kits include bleach, a bucket, scrubbers and sponges, mops, brooms, long-handle squeegees, garbage bags, and gloves.
Those whose homes have experienced significant flooding and are worried about potential safety hazards including gas and electrical issues are asked to call 911.
Those cleaning up damage from Monday night are encouraged to adhere to the following safety tips courtesy of the American Red Cross:
- Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots, and be cautious when cleaning up. Learn more about how to clean up after a flood, including the supplies you’ll need, how to sanitize food contact surfaces, and how to repair water damage.
- Be careful when moving furnishings or debris, because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
- Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected. This includes mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby toys.
- Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood waters and mud. When in doubt, throw it out. This includes canned goods, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and containers with food or liquid that has been sealed shut.
- Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure from water-saturated soil on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.
*UPDATE - September 12, 2023 at 3:25 p.m.*
North Attleborough Officials Urge Community Members to Avoid Walking in Standing Water Due to Contamination Concerns
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — Town Manager Michael Borg, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Christopher Coleman, and Public Health Nurse Anne Marie Fleming are urging community members to avoid walking in standing water due to the potential for contamination.
At this time, the Town of North Attleborough is still experiencing excess amounts of water pooling both outside and inside residents' homes. As a result of this excess water, several sewer systems in town have been surcharged.
The North Attleborough Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) reported earlier this afternoon that sections of streets throughout town have been affected by this surcharge and have contaminated standing water. The affected streets with contaminated standing water include portions of North Avenue, Maple Street, Smith Street, and Mount Hope Street.
Community members should note that drinking water has not been affected and is safe to drink at this time.
Residents are urged to avoid walking through excess water or puddles, as there may be debris and sewer or oil contamination.
Community members who must walk through standing water out of necessity are encouraged to shower immediately.
Those in need of guidance are encouraged to call the Board of Health at 508-699-0100, ext. 2560.
To learn more about disinfecting a well, visit the recommended tips provided by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. To learn more about dealing with contaminations at homes, visit the Department of Environmental Protection's tips for dealing with spills and contamination at your home or business. .
*UPDATE* - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, 2:15 pm
Clean up kits will be available on a first come first serve basis at the DPW Garage 240 Smith St. From 5-7pm today September 12, 2023. Clean up kits consist of bleach, all purpose cleaner, mops, and a brush.
*UPDATE - Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, 8 a.m.*
North Attleborough Officials Provide Safety Tips for Residents with Flood Damage
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — Town Manager Michael Borg and Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Christopher Coleman are offering some safety tips for residents whose homes have sustained flood and water damage from last night's storm.
Approximately 200 homes were reported to have flood damage in North Attleborough following the heavy rainfall that caused significant damage throughout town Monday night, Sept. 11. North Attleborough Fire responded to 145 calls for service last night, mostly related to flooding and water issues.
Town Manager Borg and Chief Coleman are providing the following tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:
Clean Up Your Home and Check for Damage
- Check your home for damage:
- Never touch electrical equipment while you are wet or standing in water. Consider hiring a qualified electrician to assess damage to electrical systems.
- Have damaged septic tanks or leaching systems repaired as soon as possible to reduce potential health hazards.
- If your home or property is damaged, take photos or videos to document your damage, and contact your insurance company.
- Avoid entering moving or standing floodwaters. Floodwater and mud may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
- Clean and disinfect anything that got wet. Take precautions. Wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and face masks.
- Flooded floors and walls should be washed with a solution of two capfuls of household bleach for each gallon of water.
- Carpeting, mattresses, and upholstered furniture should be disposed of or disinfected by a professional cleaner.
- Remove and replace any drywall or other paneling that has been underwater. Use a moisture meter to make sure that wooden studs and framing are dry before replacing the drywall. Mold growth in hidden places is a significant health hazard.
- Consider using professional cleaning and repair services before attempting to repair flood-damaged property.
General Safety
- Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live. Electrocution is also a serious danger in floods as electrical currents can travel through water.
- "Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” - Don’t drive through flooded roads.
- Stay out of damaged buildings and away from affected areas or roads until authorities deem them safe.
- If your power is out, report outages to your utility company and follow our power outage safety tips.
- Look before you step. Debris, including broken bottles and nails can cover the ground and floors after a flood. Mud covered floors and stairs can be slippery.
- Throw away food (including canned items) that has come in contact with floodwaters. Don’t eat food from flooded gardens. Throw away any refrigerated food that was not kept at temperatures above 40 °F for more than two hours or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
- Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks.
- Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live.
Update Sept 11, 2023 (11:45 pm):
The storm cells have passed and the waters are receding, the shelter-in-place order has been lifted. If you need to drive, please exercise caution and do not attempt to pass through any road closures. Additionally, the shelter located at the Middle School is no longer in operation. Hoppin Hill, between Oak Knoll and Allen Ave, will remain closed until further notice. Your safety is of utmost importance, so please stay tuned for any updates. We appreciate your cooperation.
Due to the widespread flooding in our area, we urge you to stay off the roads and shelter in place for your safety. Floodwaters can be unpredictable and treacherous, hiding hidden dangers beneath the surface.
To report non-emergency weather related incidents, please call 508-699-6323. As always, call 911 for emergencies.
Prioritize safety: Always adhere to barricades in flooded areas.
North Attleboro has opened an emergency shelter for residents in need. If you need shelter services due to flooding, loss of power or a sewage back up in your home, go directly to the North Attleboro Middle School Gymnasium located at 564 Landry Avenue. If you require transportation to the shelter, call 508-699-6323 and the town will dispatch a vehicle to you.