In the wake of December’s ice storm, the town is looking to beef up its emergency communications systems for “the next time.” The town is also in the process of completing paperwork to receive federal funds to help pay for storm-related costs.
At Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Selectman Ron Ricci said that in the aftermath of the December ice storm, the schools’ ConnectEd phone system was an effective mode of communication for families with school-age children, but he acknowledged that many other residents missed out on key information.
Currently, Ricci is looking at the products of five vendors that would enable the town to send out emergency updates via telephone. Ricci said he plans to meet with Police Chief Ed Denmark, Fire Chief Bob Mignard, Schools Superintendent Thomas Jefferson, and a representative from the Board of Health to examine the options and come back with a recommendation.
In the meantime, Ricci said, Town Clerk Janet Vellante has started a signup at Town Hall for anyone who wants to get on a townwide e-mail and phone list in case of future emergencies.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Town Administrator Tim Bragan said that he attended a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) meeting in Leominster two weeks ago regarding ice storm reimbursement. He is currently working with FEMA to complete paperwork that will allow the town to receive funds to cover the cost of cleanup and debris removal.
