Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021

An update on the Recycling event held Saturday, Sep 18, 2021 via State Representative Jeff Roy, one of the co-sponsor: 

"We had a very successful Franklin Recycling and Energy Event at Chilson Beach Parking Lot on Beaver Street today. Over 300 cars were served and over 100 dehumidifiers were delivered in exchange for $30 and a rebate on a new purchase. 

The program typically brings in 1,600 dehumidifiers annually across the state, and we did 100 in just one day in Franklin. We also collected four truckloads of furniture for Habitat for Humanity and two truckloads of electronics for recycling. We had folks from Eversource and Mass Save to sign up customers for energy savings repairs in their homes. It was a great way to help fight climate change and reduce energy costs. 

Much thanks to Fred Frederick Cullen at Green Team Junk Removal, Marcie Rappa, National Grid, MassSave, Habitat for Humanity, and the Town of Franklin for helping put it all together and make it a success. And thank you to the residents for helping save the planet by showing up and turning in your unused goods and recycling them."

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/534850033/posts/10165383002125034/

The notification of this event including the listing of sponsors

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/attention-franklin-recycling-and-energy.html

Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

"Residents should consider downloading the ⁦@nationalgridus⁩ app on their phones where you can report power outages, monitor restoration and much more. ⁦@FranklinMAFire⁩ "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/VgQcVSQ9pb

Apple App Store =  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/national-grid/id632161989

Google App Store =  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifactor.ngrid&hl=en&gl=US

nationalgrid web page = https://login.nationalgridus.com/

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

FM #397 Town Council Meeting - 11/18/20 - P2 of 2 (audio)

FM #397 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 397 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour plus meeting into two almost 90 minute segments:

* First - covers the opening through the meeting minutes approvals, one appointment and then the discussion on nationalGRID and their response to power outages during storms (1 hour and 28 minutes)

* Second - picks up the Legislation for Action, most of the discussion falls during the bylaw to create the Community Preservation Committee. The public portion of the meeting closes as the Council goes into Executive Session to hear the latest on the ‘spear phishing’ incident. Reportedly, the community will be provided an update at the Dec 2 meeting. (1 hour and 19 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Nov 18, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXnrnzzS

--------------

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/11-18-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda details with individual documents https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-18-town-council-agenda

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/town-council-meeting-recap-nov-18-2020.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

- If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

Town Council chair Tom Mercer opens the meeting

FM #396 Town Council Meeting - 11/18/20 - P1 of 2 (audio)

FM #396 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 396 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the full three hour plus meeting into two almost 90 minute segments:

* First - covers the opening through the meeting minutes approvals, one appointment and then the discussion on nationalGRID and their response to power outages during storms (1 hour and 28 minutes)

* Second - picks up the Legislation for Action, most of the discussion falls during the bylaw to create the Community Preservation Committee. The public portion of the meeting closes as the Council goes into Executive Session to hear the latest on the ‘spear phishing’ incident. Reportedly, the community will be provided an update at the Dec 2 meeting. (1 hour and 19 mins)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Nov 18, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDvK4P8S

--------------

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/11-18-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda details with individual documents https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-18-town-council-agenda

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/town-council-meeting-recap-nov-18-2020.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

- If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides an update on the Dec 5 special election

Municipal Aggregation - Information Session Video

The recent Information Session on the Municipal Aggregation agreement the Town of Franklin has implemented for Franklin residents was recorded and available for video replay.

 

Video link =  https://youtu.be/Vl7qvosl33g

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at the Town Council meeting announcing the deal in Feb 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

 

Franklin Announces Renewable Energy Program To Stabilize Electricity Costs And Lower Carbon Emissions

The Town of Franklin is implementing an electricity program for residents and small business owners designed to reduce the community’s carbon footprint, enhance local control, and achieve more affordable pricing.

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows for the bulk purchase of electricity for a community on behalf of its residential and small business customers. This type of program was authorized in 1997 by Massachusetts General Law. Electricity customers in Franklin are estimated to collectively save more than $2.0 million over the term of the three-year contract.

Renewable Energy Program

The Town of Franklin was designated as a Green Community in 2018. Its new renewable energy program, which utilizes 100% National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and aligns with the community’s efforts regarding the use of renewable energy.

By creating this program, Franklin aims to help displace fossil fuel generation and consumption, increase local control in its energy purchasing, and stabilize electricity costs for local residents and small business owners.

Franklin signed a 36-month contract with energy consultant Colonial Power Group and electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services to design, implement, manage, and supply its electricity program. The Franklin program is slated to begin with the November 2020 meter reads, which will be reflected in ratepayers’ December 2020 invoices.

“In these challenging fiscal times for all families to pay their bills, this is an opportunity to save on electricity costs this winter and residents do not even need to do a thing” said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. “Also, as a certified Green Community, I know many Franklin residents are concerned about our carbon footprint. This new electricity program will allow us to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and decrease our carbon emissions, while also stabilizing electricity bills during a difficult economic period.”

By implementing a renewable energy program for electricity, Franklin is helping to meet the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act goal of 80 percent emissions reduction by 2050.

Ease of Transition

Most electricity customers never notice that their electricity is being supplied by a new source. There is no change to electric meters; all service and billing questions still go to National Grid; and bills are still paid to and processed by National Grid. The only change is that the name of the electricity supplier on the bill will be Dynegy Energy Services.

Franklin electricity customers currently on National Grid’s basic rate plan will be automatically enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program unless they decide to opt-out. Importantly, there are no fees for enrollment or cancellation. Franklin customers can enter and leave the Franklin Community Choice Program at will. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.

There will be no change in electricity service received. Franklin customers will continue to receive one bill from National Grid for both supply and distribution of electricity, and National Grid will process all payments. The selected electricity supplier for Franklin’s energy program, Dynegy Energy Services, will be listed under the “Supply Services” heading on residents’ monthly National Grid bills.

Basic Service rates change twice a year or more, depending on rate class. As a result, the aggregation rate may not always be lower than the Basic Service rate. The goal of the aggregation is to deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.

Approximately 150 Massachusetts communities, to date, have chosen to develop community choice electricity programs to benefit their residents and small business owners. Note: Residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed to participate in Franklin’s Community Choice electricity program.

The Town and representatives of Colonial Power Group will hold two Zoom information sessions on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 7 PM and Monday, October 5, 2020 at 10 AM.

The links can be found on colonialpowergroup.com/franklin and
 https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

If you are unable to attend, recordings will also be posted to these sites and will be rebroadcast on Franklin TV and the Town’s YouTube page.

For more information on the Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program, you may visit colonialpowergroup.com/franklin or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 

 

 

File can be found on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-09-18_municipal_aggregation_announcement.pdf

 

This is the long awaited municipal aggregation program proposed and approved in 2016 and finally the bids were able to reach a good price early in 2020.

 

From the Archives:

 

February 12, 2020 in this audio segment of the Town Council meeting, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen talked of the contract and bid price reached (finally)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

 

Aggregation Plan released for Town Council meeting review and discussion
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

Link to Municipal Aggregation docs on Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation-documents

 

From the Town Council meeting where this was approved
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Aggregation Presentation doc - March 9, 2016
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-community-choice-aggregation-program 

municipal aggregation program

Franklin Residents: Tree work scheduled for NationalGrid's powerlines

"ABC Tree will be doing routine 5-year cycle tree maintenance on National Grid's power lines. The work is expected to start on June 25 and continue through Sept. 30.

If you have any questions, contact ABC Tree representative Saul Gaona at (#832-506-5049) s.gaonaabctree@gmail.com."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1275473296453181440?s=09

Franklin Residents: Tree work scheduled for NationalGrid's powerlines

In the News: NationalGrid negotiations resume Dec 26; vehicles sold in MA required to be electric by 2040

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The calendar for the next two weeks is creating some interesting interplay between a benefit bill for locked-out workers, Christmas and the end of the 2017-2018 session, and contract talks between National Grid and its 1,200 locked-out natural gas workers. 

Lawmakers on Friday agreed to the details of a bill extending unemployment benefits for locked-out workers and it appears they may take enactment votes to send that bill to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk on Monday, Christmas Eve. 

Meantime, National Grid has been saying for days that it hoped to strike a deal with two employee unions by Christmas. However, a company spokeswoman on Saturday confirmed to the News Service that after seven consecutive weekdays of bargaining, the next session won’t be held until Wednesday, Dec. 26. 

And in another new wrinkle, the unions and the company issued a rare joint statement Friday night that suggested some optimism about a potential deal and markedly contrasted with the snippy statements that both sides have regularly issued after unsuccessful talks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/national-grid-union-hope-to-end-impasse-by-friday

"Ready or not, Massachusetts is speeding headlong into a brave new transportation world. 

It may not include flying cars, but state leaders are looking to help pave the way for self-driving cars, an all-electric car future, a transportation grid resilient to climate change and a planned “reinvention” of the commuter rail system serving metropolitan Boston. 

Among the recommendations laid out in a hefty, two-volume report released this month by a state commission on the future of transportation in Massachusetts is for the state to set a goal “that all new cars, light duty trucks, and buses sold in Massachusetts will be electric by 2040.” 

It’s part of a wider blueprint to create what the commission called “a 21st-century mobility infrastructure” that will help the state and its cities and towns both manage and make the most of emerging changes in transportation technology and behavior."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/brave-new-world-for-mass-transportation

In case you missed the post shared here last week:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/focused-on-big-picture-on-what-and-why.html

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf 

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation

In the News: MA DPU lifts moratorium on NationalGrid; relief for locked-out workers sought

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"State regulators on Wednesday lifted their moratorium on National Grid gas work, infuriating locked-out gas workers, but ordered the utility to adhere to what officials called “an unprecedentedly high standard,” including a new requirement to have work plans approved by a certified professional engineer. 

The order from the Department of Public Utilities would essentially apply the parameters of Gov. Charlie Baker’s gas safety bill and other new safety protocols to National Grid while also easing the moratorium on all non-emergency and non-compliance work across the utility’s service territory, an administration official said. 

Commercial real estate industry officials have said the moratorium was having a “huge impact” by preventing properties from obtaining needed gas hookups."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181219/baker-decision-to-lift-moratorium-irks-national-grid-workers

"Unable since Nov. 1 to shake his popular bill out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Senate Rules Committee Chairman Mark Montigny on Tuesday has taken his case directly to Senate President Karen Spilka, urging her to help advance legislation ensuring benefits to workers locked out by their employers. 

A New Bedford Democrat, Montigny asked Spilka in a letter Tuesday to force action on a bill providing extended unemployment benefits to locked-out workers, such as the more than 1,200 gas workers who have been engaged in a labor dispute with National Grid since June. Gas workers lost their health insurance and paychecks and have turned to public insurance programs and unemployment benefits to get by during the lockout. 

Montigny said the Senate should pass a bill expanding the scope of a House bill approved Dec. 6 and correcting a portion of the House bill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181219/new-bedford-democrat-presses-spilka-on-lockout-bill

"The state Department of Public Utilities on Wednesday lifted a moratorium on gas work by National Grid, but a series of new regulations means it’s unlikely development projects that have been stalled for months will be able to resume any time soon. 

Quincy is one of a handful of cities and towns that imposed its own local moratorium on all non-emergency gas work by National Grid after the company locked out 1,200 workers in June when contract negotiations broke down. It’s also a city in the midst of a massive development boom that is suffering as developers wait to finish projects that require gas connections. 

The state followed suit with its own moratorium on Oct. 8 after state regulators were spooked by an incident in Woburn in which gas lines were over-pressurized. A series of explosions in the Merrimack Valley a month earlier were also blamed on excessive pressure."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181219/state-move-on-national-grid-work-moratorium-unlikely-to-help-quincy-development

nationalgrid: Storm Season Safety: Are You Prepared?

Storm Season Alert: Important safety information for our customers. As storm season approaches, severe weather could impact our service territory, causing damage and threatening your safety. National Grid is ready, and we want to ensure that you and your family are prepared before the next storm hits. To view this email as a web page, click here.

As storm season approaches, severe weather could impact our service territory, causing damage and threatening your safety. National Grid is ready, and we want to ensure that you and your family are prepared before the next storm hits. Storm Safety Tips: Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization. It is a good idea to keep a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. It is also recommended to charge mobile devices prior to the storm so you can stay connected in the event of a power outage. Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food. Stay Connected: Use your mobile device to track outage information, report outages and storm-related safety tips through National Grid's mobile site accessible at www.ngrid.com/mobile To receive text message alerts and updates from National Grid, text the word STORM to NGRID (64743). Other ways to stay in touch: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram; we post all the latest storm and restoration updates.

NationalGrid: We weathered these storms together

To view this email as a web page, click here.

We weathered these storms together Over the past two weeks, our region was hit with three consecutive weather events—each causing significant damage to our electricity network and leaving thousands of you, our customers, without power. The work required to repair the network and restore power was labor-intensive and time consuming.  And we realize how disruptive these outages were for you. It tested our patience. And we know it tested yours. As we reflect on this challenging time, we also feel incredibly grateful for the outstanding efforts of so many in our communities, including: The emergency responders and municipal officials who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the communities they serve and who were also so instrumental in the coordination and prioritization of our response efforts; and The many volunteers who helped provide a warm place to go or food, water, and supplies to those who most needed assistance. It would be impossible to thank all of these emergency responders individually.  So, in their honor, National Grid has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Finally, we are proud of the efforts of our crews and the hundreds of contractors who traveled from near and far to assist in our restoration efforts.  These men and women are incredibly motivated to serve you. And the countless expressions of thanks they received from so many of our customers—who took the time to display homemade signs, offer them coffee or just share a wave and a smile—gave them the boost they needed to get the job done. Thank you for that. Rest assured, our work doesn't end here. We'll continue to refine our planning and response as we remain ready for whatever else Mother Nature throws our way.  In the meantime, we thank you for weathering these storms with us.   Connect Now Visit us at nationalgridus.com

Privacy Policy This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

Franklin Public Schools: Updated Information about Schools March 8, 2018 PM

Thursday, March 8, 2018

PM Update

Good evening, Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

Earlier today, ten of our eleven schools were without power as a result of last night's storm. Some power has been restored, but many schools are still without it. We have been communicating closely with National Grid and the DPW, Facilities, Police, and Fire Departments throughout today to remain informed of power restoration activities within Franklin.

We are concerned about the widespread power outages at our schools and within neighborhoods, however restoration efforts are under way and will continue through the evening. Any decision that may be made to close schools tomorrow will be made between 5:00 and 5:30 AM.

Stay warm and safe. More information will be sent in the early morning hours.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Parmenter School after a different snow storm

Franklin Residents: Storm Update March 8, 2018

Hello,

This is the Town of Franklin with an update on current conditions in Town. 

Approximately 50% of Franklin is currently without power. National Grid has crews on site, more are being dispatched today to help in the recovery effort. National Grid is anticipating full restoration within 72-hours.

The Town has opened three locations for warming and device charging: the Hockomock YMCA at Forge Park, which also has showers available, the Franklin Public Library and Franklin Fire Station Headquarters on West Central Street.

Trash and Recycling collection was NOT delayed today and is on schedule for Friday to be picked up on a regular schedule.

Please check the town website at www.franklinma.gov for the most up to date information.

Thank you,

Town of Franklin

Franklin Residents: Storm Update March 8, 2018

Urgent: Power Outage Update

Power Outage Update

Due to the power outages the Franklin YMCA is allowing residents with no power to use their facility to take hot showers and charge your phones and laptops etc.

For information about power outages please visit National Grid at:
https://m.nationalgrid.com  or call 1-800-465-1212

Read more

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA. Please do not reply to this message.

Urgent: Power Outage Update

In the News: Session on how government works scheduled; NationalGrid changing rate request

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A small group of dedicated residents is holding a community meeting they’re calling “Franklin Town Government 101.” 

The goal of the get-together is to field questions about how local government ticks, how residents can access more information, and how to have their voices heard. 

The first of what is expected to be multiple meetings will occur on Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Franklin Public Library, with a snow date of Feb. 3. 

Co-organizer and father of newly-elected town council member Eamon Earls, Alan Earls, said he’s not looking to kick up dust with town officials, but rather hopes to further unite them with their residents. 

“We don’t want it to be an ‘us versus them’ thing at all,” he said. “I realize (town officials) also have a really big challenge in working with the town, because many of us don’t know a lot of what happens, and how it works.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180111/franklin-meeting-to-share-with-residents-how-local-government-works

"National Grid will seek a smaller rate hike in Massachusetts than it originally requested, the utility company said Thursday, citing the benefit of the recent federal tax reform bill. 

The company announced that it will reduce its proposed rate hike for Bay Staters by $36 million -- from a total increase of $87 million to $51 million --due to unexpected savings the company is now expecting to see as a result of the federal corporate tax rate dropping from 35 percent to 21 percent. 

“We are committed to ensuring that the tax savings of the legislation are fully realized and are used to help our customers in their energy bills,” Cordi O’Hara, president and COO of National Grid in Massachusetts, said in a statement. “We’ll continue to seek opportunities to provide this benefit to all of our customers.” 

National Grid said it does not yet know exactly how the changed proposed rates will affect customers’ bills, but did say the change will “result in smaller impacts than originally proposed and will vary across rate classes and customer usage.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180111/citing-tax-law-national-grid-reduces-rate-hike-request

NationalGrid: Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Tips

Hurricane Alert: Important safety information for our customers. To view this email as a web page, click here.

Hurricane Season: What you can do to prepare As our country deals with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and for the potential of an even stronger storm, we'd like to remind our customers about the importance of planning ahead. September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and National Grid is encouraging our customers to take action and be prepared, as severe storms continue to disrupt daily life and put more lives at risk. Safety is National Grid's number one priority, and we want to ensure customers properly prepare to take care of themselves, their families, and their communities. How National Grid Restores Power How to Prepare for an Emergency Build an emergency supply kit. Water, nonperishable food, first aid materials, prescriptions, flashlight, batteries and a battery-powered radio are critical items to have in an emergency supply toolkit. A well-thought-out emergency plan and a fully stocked toolkit could mean the difference between life and death. Plan your locations. Emergencies and disasters occur without warning, making it important to have a plan and the supplies you will need for the different locations you and your family frequent beyond your home: work, school, vehicles, places of worship, for example, along with shopping areas and entertainment/sports sites such as theaters, ball fields and arenas. How will you get to a safe place? How will you contact one another? How will you get back together, if separated? These are all important questions to consider when creating your plan. Anticipate your risks. Think about where you live and identify the hazards that have happened or could occur in your area. Residents in areas that usually receive significant snowfall might plan more for snowstorms, while residents who live along the coast may be more affected by hurricanes. Depending upon the nature of the emergency and your circumstances, one of the first important decisions to make is whether to stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. No matter where you live, make sure you plan accordingly. Know your community's plan. Find out from local government how it communicates with residents in an emergency. This could be in the form of radio/TV broadcasts, telephone, door-to-door notifications or a community siren. Get informed now so you can stay informed when it counts. Stay connected to National Grid. Online at www.nationalgridus.com, complete information on managing storms and outages is available. Under our Storms and Outage page, National Grid's provides customers with easy tools for reporting and checking the status of an outage, power outage maps and important safety tips. Customers can opt-in to receive broadcast text alerts by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). For the latest storm updates, follow National Grid on Twitter @nationalgridus and connect with us on Facebook. Get Involved National Grid works closely with the American Red Cross to prepare the communities we serve for natural disasters. As part of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, National Grid operates behind the scenes with the Red Cross and first responders to address the basic needs of our customers, such as food, shelter and water, during an emergency. The Annual Disaster Giving Program allows the Red Cross to help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters. With support from National Grid and other companies, the Red Cross is able to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters each year. Recently, National Grid pledged an additional $100,000 to the Red Cross to aid in responding to Hurricane Harvey. We encourage customers to find volunteer opportunities to support community readiness. Taking an active role in community planning and preparation, supporting relief efforts, and donating funds or goods when you are able can help your neighbors in times of disaster. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.

©2017 National Grid This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.