Hurricane Sandy: Arlington Info Center

See a tree down in your neighborhood? Notice a road is flooded? Just saw a store clerk upload a pallet of fresh batteries? Please use this story on Arlington Patch to help out your neighbors as we brave the storm together.

As we hunker down to ride out Hurricane Sandy, we want to make sure that Arlington stays connected. For live updates during the storm, be sure to download our App for your smartphone or tablet, 'like' Arlington Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

As you send us messages through social media and email (john.waller@patch.com), we’ll make sure the information is added here to this story in the comments and on the map found above. If you notice wires down or a tree across the road, please alert authorities and then let us know so we can spread the word quickly. You can comment right on this story to make sure readers know what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Water and batteries could be scarce about town. You can share info about where to find these items and who has gotten the latest delivery by commenting here.

Arlington Patch is all about connecting neighbors and helping neighbors so we hope you’ll find this information hub helpful as we brave the storm together. Stay safe Arlington!

Latest News

Check back here throughout Monday and Tuesday for continuing coverage of Hurricane Sandy. Sign up for Arlington Patch’s breaking news alerts, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

8:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29:

7:45 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29: Hurricane Sandy is supposed to weaken in the Boston area Monday night into Tuesday morning, according to the latest forecast.

7:40 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29: Arlington schools closed Tuesday.

3:45 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29: PHOTOS: Hurricane Sandy in Arlington.

3:20 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29: Patch's live blog of Hurricane Sandy.

3:15 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29: The latest from NSTAR.

11:50 a.m., Monday, Oct. 29: Latest forecast: Hurricane Sandy has picked up ferocity as it hits the east coast.

11:30 a.m., Monday, Oct. 29: Share your Hurricane Sandy photos.

11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 29: The MBTA is shutting down service at 2 p.m. today. A number of Arlington businesses are open; feel free to add to the list on our Facebbok page.

6:25 a.m., Monday, Oct. 29: Latest Hurricane Sandy track and what to expect.

6:50 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28: Arlington schools, libraries and town offices closed Monday, and no trash collection as well.

5:35 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28: Gov. Deval Patrick asking Massachusetts residents to stay off the roads.

Latest Forecasts

• The Weather Channel’s Live Stream of Hurricane Sandy Coverage

• The Weather Channel’s Arlington Forecast

• The National Weather Service (Live Radar and Arlington Forecast)

• 7 News Boston
• CBS Boston
• News Center 5 Boston
• Fox 25 News Boston

How to Stay Connected in Arlington

• Sign up for Arlington Patch’s breaking news alerts, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

• Comment on this article if you see a tree or wire down, a road flooded or other situations developing around town. Also, be sure to alert the proper authorities (see below).

• The town will post urgent public safety announcements: online on the town website, via its email notices and phone alerts. Residents are strongly advised to sign up for the town’s phone alerts, “Arlington Alerts.” If you have received an automated call from the town, you are already in the system and no further action is required. If you haven’t or are not sure, register here.

Important Numbers to Have on Hand

(Arlington Emergency Management recommends that you take down or print these numbers, so you have them handy in the event of a power outage.)

• For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

• For downed electrical wires, call 911 and NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000.

• For non-life-threatening emergencies, such as flooding, call Community Safety dispatch at 781-643-1212. 

• For downed tree limbs, call Public Works dispatch at 781-316-3301.

• Report power outages directly to NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000.

Safety Tips Regarding Electricity and Power Outages

• Stay away from downed wires. Assume all downed wires are “live” and call 911 and NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000. 

• Report power outages directly to NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000.

• Be careful never to leave open flames unattended.

• Turn off major appliances and electronics during the outage to guard against damage when the power comes back on. Leave one light switched on as a signal for when the power is restored.

• Surge protectors, which are available at local electronics stores, can protect sensitive equipment during an outage and when power is restored.

• For more electrical safety tips, visit NSTAR’s Storm Center.

Additional Safety Tips

• If you have not done so already, secure, or bring inside, outdoor objects, such as trash barrels and lawn furniture.

• Make sure to charge batteries and portable devices like cell phones, and have a working flashlight available.

• Families should also develop plans in the event of an emergency. FEMA has many safety tips, including a Family Emergency Plan.

• For additional safety information, visit the MEMA website.

• Monitor the storm on local media.