Massachusetts State Police Release -- 02072016 -- State Police Release Storm Preparation Information
The Massachusetts State Police will have more than 350
troopers on duty on the day shift during Monday's storm, with approximately
another 225 reporting for the evening shift.
The personnel strength reflects extra storm patrols. As
well, if storm conditions require, day shift personnel will be held over into
the evening shift.
The State Police geographic troops in eastern
Massachusetts -- Troop D in the southeastern part of the state, Troop A in the
northeast, and Troop H comprising Metropolitan Boston -- are expected to be the
busiest tomorrow. Troopers will maintain a strong presence on state highways
and roads to respond to the expected high volume of motor vehicle calls -- most
of them spinouts, cars sliding off the roadway or becoming disabled, and
jackknifed tractor-trailers.
Troopers in the southeastern barracks will begin the day
shift tour at 5 am, two hours earlier than usual. As well, troopers on Martha's
Vineyard and Nantucket will work double-shifts.
The decision whether to close the Cape Cod bridges is
determined by the Army Corps of Engineers. If that decision is made, troopers
will assist with the closures.
Additionally, State Police have staged tracked rescue
vehicles and 1.5-ton trucks at various points in eastern Massachusetts, ready
to deployed if and where needed in case of coastal flooding.
Troopers in western Massachusetts, where the storm is not
expected to have a big impact, will be available to assist in other regions if
necessary.
Troop F at Logan Airport will also have additional
troopers working in the possibility that postponed flights could result in
large numbers of travelers waiting in the terminals.
State Police urge drivers to stay off the roads if
possible. If they have to drive, motorists are reminded to go slow, leave extra
time to reach their destination, and leave extra space between their vehicle
and the vehicle in front of them. Motorists should also ensure they have a
charged cell phone with them; if the need help, dialing 911 on a cell phone
will immediately connect them to a public safety dispatch center.
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