Friday, February 14, 2025

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From Great Barrington, safety tips during snow storm

"Due to the severity of the conditions predicted for tomorrow's storm, we are asking that all residents avoid non-essential travel and if they must travel, to be cautious." -- Great Barrington Police Chief William Walsh

Great Barrington — With Winter Storm Stella scheduled to hit Massachusetts on Tuesday and a blizzard warning in effect, the Town of Great Barrington is reminding residents to follow several safety procedures to ensure they are prepared.

GB-TownSeal-smallThe National Weather Service forecast projects snowfall will begin between 4-6 a.m. tomorrow morning with snow totals ranging from 12-18 inches and wind gusts between 30-45 mph in the western parts of the Commonwealth. Snow will be heaviest between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and whiteouts and drifting snow will make transportation hazardous during these hours.

The Town of Great Barrington reminds residents that on-street parking is banned during the storm and violators will be towed.

The following buildings will be closed to the public on Tuesday, March 14:

  • Town Hall
  • Mason Library
  • Ramsdell Library
  • Clair Teague Senior Center
  • Building and Health Departments at 20 Castle St.

Additionally, Berkshire Hills Regional School District has cancelled school on Tuesday, March 14. Elder Services will not be providing lunches for Seniors at the Berkshire South Community Center.

Emergency numbers:

Call 911, a direct line to the police department and fire/EMS, for emergencies only. All other questions or concerns should be reported to the Great Barrington Police Department’s business line, 413-528-0306.

If your electricity is out or you need to report power outages, gas leaks or downed wires, please call:

National Grid Customer Service: 800-322-3223


National Grid Outage Reporting: 800-465-1212


Verizon Customers: 800-837-4966 or verizon.com/outage.

“Due to the severity of the conditions predicted for tomorrow’s storm, we are asking that all residents avoid non-essential travel and if they must travel, to be cautious,” Great Barrington Police Chief William Walsh said. “Please also make sure that you keep your phones and other electronics you may need charged in the event of a power outage.”

The Great Barrington Police and Fire Departments advise that residents:

  • Keep stocks of batteries on hand for radios and flashlights in case of a power outage.
  • Make sure phones, laptops and other communication devices are charged.
  • ALWAYS clear the tailpipe of a vehicle that is buried in snow BEFORE you start or warm up the vehicle to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide. Failure to do so can be fatal for those inside the vehicle.

After the snow falls, you can help the Great Barrington Fire Department by shoveling out your nearest fire hydrants. Also, make sure that your home or business sidewalks are properly shoveled and place salt or ice melt to prevent people from falling.

“Make sure all of your smoke and CO detectors are working properly and remember to never use your oven as a heating source,” Great Barrington Fire Chief Charles Burger said. “All emergency personnel will be working during this storm, so please don’t hesitate to call us in case of emergency.”

If roads become impassable by debris or snow, notify the police and highway departments, which will be out to ensure roads remain open at all time.

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