Governor declares state of emergency. Get those shovels ready.

[Paper Roses]

No dreams of 1978, please. North of Boston, +20" of snow expected with strong winds. Possibility of power lines down. The loss of power will be my main concern. Pipes breaking, no heat. Phooey

[bluerum]

1. If the power goes for long shut off the water main. I have wood and a fireplace.

At least I can stay warm for bit.

[Paper Roses]

2. Thanks for the tip about the water. I have a FP but no wood.

Smart, aren't I. Wood is $375 a cord here and I just could not do it. Maybe I can mooch some from a friend if it gets bad. That would take care of me in the kitchen. I'd still have to take care of the pipes.

I can keep myself reasonably warm with clothes and blankets. If I turn the water off at the main, should I open all the indoor taps just a tiny bit to drip or drain out?

[canoeist52]

3. What is a Gubernatorial State of Emergency? -From MEMA

"There is a misconception that various restrictions or bans automatically are triggered when there is a Gubernatorial State of Emergency in place. This is not so. The declaration of a State of Emergency does not in itself affect the operation of private enterprise. Travel is not automatically banned; businesses and schools are not automatically closed. Many businesses do have contractual agreements with their employees regarding who does/does not have to report to work when a Gubernatorial State of Emergency is issued."

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Public+Safety+Agencies&L2=Massachusetts+Emergency+Management+Agency&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=mema_feature_story_2007_feature_stories_2007_what_is_gubernatorial_state_of_emergency&csid=Eeops

[bluerum]

4. Yes on the taps. Shut the main then open faucets to allow for expansion if

the pipes actually freeze.

I buy wood in the spring - $180 a chord.

Hopefully it will just be a bunch of snow and the power does not go.