Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray of Massachusetts announced the release of $5.5 million toward the state’s share of reimbursements for expenses incurred by 165 communities across the state:
“When we woke up on Dec. 12, we were facing an unprecedented challenge,” Mr. Murray said. “In the days and weeks that followed, 350,000 households were without power.” Including, he noted, his own home — for five days.
According to the state, the ice storm of 2008 was Massachusetts’ most expensive disaster. Mr. Murray said the state continues to learn the total costs of the storm, as some repairs are unfinished. He said the total cost of what the 1,500 responding Army and Air National Guard members nicknamed “Big Ice” is expected to be $75 million.
As you can see, ice storms should not be taken lightly. It should be considered a part of your emergency preparedness plans, whether you live in the Northeast or another part of the country. One of the major ways to prepare for ice storms is to have supplies on hand for when the power goes out.
Even the lieutenant governor didn’t have power for 5 days. Could you survive for that long, or even longer, with what you have right now? Do you have the right survival kits to withstand an ice storm?
Source:
http://www.telegram.com/article/20091211/NEWS/912110428/1116